Video: LA Rioters Face Federal Charges for Molotov Attacks!

Written by Matthew Peterson.

Federal authorities in Los Angeles have intensified their response to recent civil unrest, announcing severe charges against individuals involved in violent protests. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has targeted rioters accused of using destructive devices, such as Molotov cocktails, against law enforcement personnel. This development underscores the escalating tensions surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the region and raises critical questions about public safety, protest rights, and federal intervention.

Federal Charges Target Molotov Cocktail Incidents

On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli disclosed federal charges against two Los Angeles County residents, Emiliano Garduno Galvez, 23, of Paramount, and Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, of Long Beach, for possessing unregistered destructive devices. Galvez is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies during a chaotic protest in Paramount on June 7, 2025. According to court documents, he lit and hurled the incendiary device over a wall, targeting deputies engaged in crowd control, before fleeing the scene. Quiogue, apprehended in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, 2025, allegedly attempted to throw a Molotov cocktail at police officers but was intercepted by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). If convicted, both individuals face up to 10 years in federal prison, reflecting the gravity of their alleged actions.

The charges stem from protests sparked by aggressive ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. These raids, part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy under the Trump administration, have ignited widespread demonstrations, some of which have turned violent. The use of Molotov cocktails, capable of causing severe injury or death, has escalated concerns about the trajectory of these protests. Federal prosecutors have emphasized that such acts endanger not only law enforcement but also civilians and protesters alike, necessitating a robust legal response.

Broader Context of Los Angeles Protests

The recent unrest in Los Angeles is rooted in opposition to ICE operations, which have intensified since early 2025. Demonstrators, including community activists and residents, have demanded an end to what they describe as heavy-handed tactics that disrupt families and sow fear in immigrant communities. While many protests have remained peaceful, incidents of violence, including the destruction of property and attacks on law enforcement, have drawn significant attention. Over the weekend of June 7–8, 2025, clashes in Paramount, Compton, and downtown Los Angeles resulted in multiple arrests and injuries. Reports indicate that sheriff’s deputies sustained minor injuries from a Molotov cocktail attack, while protesters have faced tear gas, stun grenades, and “less lethal” munitions from authorities.

The deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, ordered by President Donald Trump, has further inflamed tensions. California Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned the militarization as unlawful and unnecessary, arguing that local law enforcement, including the LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, is equipped to handle the situation. Sheriff Robert Luna has clarified that his department is not directly involved in immigration enforcement but will intervene to protect federal agents from violence. This complex interplay of local, state, and federal authorities highlights the challenges of managing large-scale civil unrest in a politically charged environment.

According to a 2025 analysis by the Center for American Progress, immigration enforcement actions often exacerbate community distrust in law enforcement, particularly in cities with significant immigrant populations like Los Angeles. The report notes that aggressive raids can lead to broader social unrest, as seen in the current protests. The use of destructive devices by a small subset of protesters has complicated the narrative, providing federal authorities with justification for stricter measures while fueling debates about the balance between free expression and public safety.

Manhunt for Additional Suspect Intensifies

In addition to the charges against Galvez and Quiogue, federal authorities are pursuing Elpidio Reyna, a suspect accused of throwing cinderblocks at law enforcement vehicles during the same weekend protests. Video evidence, widely circulated on social media, captured Reyna’s actions, prompting the FBI to identify him and raid his residence. He remains at large, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture. This manhunt underscores the federal government’s determination to hold accountable those responsible for violent acts during the protests.

The identification of Reyna through social media footage reflects a broader trend in law enforcement’s use of digital tools to track and apprehend suspects. A 2024 study by the Brennan Center for Justice highlighted the increasing reliance on video surveillance and social media analysis in protest-related investigations, raising concerns about privacy and potential overreach. In the Los Angeles context, such methods have proven effective but have also sparked criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue that they may deter lawful protest activity. The pursuit of Reyna, combined with the charges against Galvez and Quiogue, signals a broader crackdown on violent elements within the protests.

Federal prosecutors have indicated that additional charges are forthcoming, with at least 14 individuals facing federal complaints related to the Los Angeles protests. These cases range from serious offenses, such as the use of explosives, to minor skirmishes with immigration agents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has stressed that the legal actions are intended to deter further violence while sending a clear message about the consequences of attacking law enforcement personnel.

Implications for Public Safety and Policy

The federal charges against Los Angeles rioters mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and protest management. The use of Molotov cocktails, a rare but dangerous escalation in U.S. protests, has shifted the focus from policy disagreements to immediate public safety concerns. Law enforcement officials have warned that such devices pose significant risks, not only to officers but also to bystanders and infrastructure. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has noted that Molotov cocktails, while simple to construct, can cause devastating fires and injuries, justifying the severe penalties associated with their possession.

The protests have also exposed divisions within California’s political and law enforcement communities. While Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have criticized the federal response, including the deployment of military forces, some local officials, such as Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, have supported the pursuit of criminal charges against violent protesters. Hochman announced that at least five criminal cases have emerged from the protests, with more expected as investigations continue. This multifaceted response reflects the complexity of addressing civil unrest in a city as diverse and politically active as Los Angeles.

From a policy perspective, the unrest highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement. A 2025 report by the Migration Policy Institute suggests that targeted raids, while effective in apprehending specific individuals, often have broader social and economic costs, including community destabilization and increased fear among residents. The report advocates for community-based engagement strategies to rebuild trust, a recommendation that contrasts with the current administration’s emphasis on enforcement. The Los Angeles protests, and the violent acts associated with them, underscore the urgency of addressing these underlying issues to prevent further escalation.

Our Take

The federal charges against Emiliano Garduno Galvez, Wrackkie Quiogue, and the ongoing manhunt for Elpidio Reyna reflect a necessary response to dangerous acts that threaten public safety. The use of Molotov cocktails and cinderblocks against law enforcement is indefensible, regardless of the underlying grievances driving the protests. However, the broader context of these events cannot be ignored. The aggressive ICE raids, coupled with the deployment of military forces, have deepened community tensions and created a volatile environment where extreme actions, though rare, have emerged.

In my view, the federal government’s focus on prosecuting violent offenders is appropriate but insufficient. Punitive measures alone will not address the root causes of the unrest, namely the fear and uncertainty fueled by immigration policies perceived as indiscriminate. Local, state, and federal leaders must prioritize dialogue with affected communities to de-escalate tensions and restore trust. The militarization of Los Angeles, while intended to restore order, risks further alienating residents and escalating conflicts. A balanced approach—one that upholds the rule of law while addressing legitimate concerns about immigration enforcement—is essential to prevent further violence and foster stability in the region.

Many Border Patrol vehicles and other unmarked cars just exited the anti-ICE protest area in Paramount, California. They were met with fierce resistance from protesters, with a number of vehicles being visibly damaged. pic.twitter.com/Ek8AyQ9AQb

— Jeremy Lindenfeld (@jeremotographs) June 7, 2025