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An illegal immigrant from Mexico has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at federal officers during violent riots in Los Angeles, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Wednesday.
Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, previously deported and with a criminal history in California, was arrested Tuesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. DHS officials say he was identified as the individual who hurled the explosive at law enforcement during Saturday night’s unrest. He was formally charged later that evening.
“Emiliano Garduno-Galvez is a criminal illegal alien who attacked federal officers with a Molotov cocktail during the riots in Los Angeles,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These are the types of criminals that rioters are fighting to protect. If you assault our officers, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Garduno-Galvez’s criminal record includes a 2024 grand theft arrest in Anaheim and a DUI arrest in Long Beach. He had previously been deported, though DHS did not specify when he re-entered the country.
The riots, sparked by recent ICE enforcement operations, erupted Friday in Los Angeles. Protesters took to the streets to oppose the arrest of illegal immigrants, many of whom were reportedly convicted of violent crimes, including second-degree murder and sexual assault.
Demonstrators in downtown L.A. were seen burning American flags, waving Mexican flags, and vandalizing cars and businesses. According to law enforcement, riot gear and “bionic face shields” were being distributed among the crowd.
ICE officials say the Los Angeles crackdown has led to the arrest of dozens of undocumented individuals with extensive criminal histories. A DHS spokesperson on Sunday criticized local leadership for obstructing federal efforts:
“While ICE is removing the worst of the worst from L.A.’s streets, local officials are actively working against them.”
Unrest has spread beyond California, with similar anti-ICE demonstrations taking place in San Antonio, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia.
As tensions over immigration policy continue to escalate, DHS officials warn that assaults on law enforcement will not go unanswered.
