Federal prosecutors are taking decisive action against violent agitators involved in last weekend’s anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced Wednesday that two suspects have been arrested and charged with possessing and deploying destructive devices—specifically, Molotov cocktails—against law enforcement officers.
According to Essayli, Emiliano Garduno Galvez, 23, of Paramount, allegedly hurled a Molotov cocktail at L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies during a violent protest in Paramount on Saturday. Meanwhile, Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, of Long Beach, was arrested by LAPD in downtown Los Angeles while attempting to ignite and throw a similar device.
Both men now face federal felony charges that could land them up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
“These are not peaceful protests,” Essayli said in a statement. “These are violent criminal acts that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The charges come amid growing nationwide unrest as anti-ICE demonstrations escalate, many fueled by far-left organizations. Federal authorities are racing to identify and apprehend those responsible for coordinated acts of violence against police and public property.
In a related development, the FBI is actively pursuing Elpidio Reyna, who was caught on video hurling cinderblocks at law enforcement vehicles during the weekend riots. Though agents raided his residence earlier this week, Reyna remains at large. A $50,000 reward has been issued for any information that leads to his arrest.
Officials are warning that additional federal indictments are likely as investigations into the violent protests continue. The message from the Department of Justice is clear: attacks on law enforcement will not go unpunished.