Federal agents arrested a man in Los Angeles for distributing tactical masks to anti-ICE protesters, as President Trump deploys thousands of military personnel to assist in immigration enforcement without California’s consent.
At a Glance
- Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested by the FBI for allegedly providing “bionic shield” masks to anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles
- President Trump deployed nearly 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles without Governor Newsom’s request
- 27 protesters have been arrested during demonstrations, with charges including throwing Molotov cocktails and assaulting police
- California officials, including Gov. Newsom, have condemned the military deployment as “manufacturing a crisis” and undermining American values
- A federal court hearing is scheduled to challenge President Trump’s use of military personnel for immigration enforcement
Feds Target “Riot Suppliers” While Protesters Face Charges
The Biden Justice Department is taking an aggressive approach toward those they claim are supporting anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. Federal agents arrested Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, accusing him of conspiracy to commit civil disorders after allegedly delivering tactical face masks to protesters. This appears to be part of a larger federal initiative to not just arrest individual protesters but to take down what they’re calling an organized network of riot facilitators. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli made it clear they’re hunting for anyone who might be providing material support to these demonstrations.
While the feds are busy tracking down mask providers, local law enforcement has been contending with actual confrontations. The LAPD declared downtown Los Angeles an unlawful assembly following protests that spilled onto the 101 Freeway. So far, 27 demonstrators have been arrested on serious charges including throwing a Molotov cocktail and driving a motorcycle into police lines. One suspect accused of assaulting a federal officer has even been added to the FBI’s Most Wanted list, with authorities offering a reward for information leading to capture.
Military Deployment Sparks Constitutional Showdown
In what appears to be a direct challenge to state authority, President Trump has deployed approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles—marking the first such deployment without gubernatorial request since the 1965 Watts riots. The move has set up a dramatic standoff between federal and state authorities, with California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly demanding the withdrawal of these forces and condemning the action in the strongest possible terms.
“[The deployment is] not to meet an unmet need, but to manufacture a crisis.”
Immigration raids have intensified throughout Southern California, with federal agents reportedly conducting operations in locations including the garment district. These enforcement actions, coupled with the military presence, have created an atmosphere of tension across Los Angeles. A federal court hearing has been scheduled to review the constitutionality of deploying military personnel for domestic immigration enforcement—a use of federal power that both California’s Newsom and New York’s Governor Hochul have characterized as fundamentally un-American.
Justice Department Prioritizes Prosecuting Protesters
The Justice Department isn’t waiting for the constitutional questions to be resolved before pressing its advantage. Associate Deputy Attorney General Aakash Singh has instructed federal prosecutors nationwide to prioritize cases involving protesters who destroy property or assault law enforcement. The directive specifically calls for publicizing every case to ensure maximum visibility of enforcement actions, creating what appears to be a deliberate deterrent strategy.
“It appears they’re well-orchestrated, and coordinated and well-funded, so we want to understand who these people are and where this organization’s coming from and today was one of those first arrests, the key arrests that we did.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has attempted to navigate a middle path through the crisis, acknowledging protestors’ right to express outrage while urging them to do so peacefully. Meanwhile, as federal agents continue their immigration enforcement actions with military support, the fundamental question remains whether this represents legitimate law enforcement or, as Governor Newsom characterized it, a politically motivated effort “inciting and provoking violence,” “creating mass chaos” and “militarizing cities.”
