Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, an undocumented immigrant, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for his involvement in a violent anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riot that occurred in downtown Los Angeles last year. He was also ordered to pay $253,415 in restitution.
Flores was found to have poured lighter fluid onto a burning California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle from an overpass and tossed an electric scooter at officers. Prosecutors stated that Flores, born in Mexico in 2003, came to the U.S. as a toddler and has no prior criminal history.
During the riot on June 8 of last year, Flores stood on the Main Street overpass of the 101 Freeway and poured lighter fluid from a plastic bottle onto a CHP vehicle engulfed in flames below. He then poured a second bottle and directed another individual to spray more accelerant. The actions intensified the fire, according to prosecutors. Flores also helped throw an electric scooter over the overpass railing toward officers and vehicles, aware of the substantial risk of death or serious injury.
"Those who attack law enforcement will face the full force of justice," said Bill Essayli, United States Attorney for the Central District of California. "This defendant can now reflect on his actions from a federal prison cell."
Flores pleaded guilty to his crimes in April. He is one of several individuals facing federal charges for their participation in the attacks on officers during the riot. Six men in total have pleaded guilty to hurling fireworks, rocks, and other objects at CHP officers. Among those who have pleaded guilty are Ismael Vega, 42, who received a three-year prison sentence, and Adam Charles Palermo, whose sentencing is scheduled for December 14.
Essayli emphasized that authorities will continue to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those who assault police officers during illegal riots. "Another day, another illegal immigration rioter from last summer is sent to federal prison," Essayli stated. "Actions have consequences."