According to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the United States, Yachua Mauricio Flores, a 23-year-old Mexican illegal immigrant living in the Lincoln Heights community in Los Angeles, was sentenced to 37 months of federal imprisonment on August 3 (Monday). He was also ordered to pay $253,415 in restitution for his involvement in the anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) riots and arson on California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicles on June 8, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Flores admitted that during the riots, he stood on the Main Street overpass of the US Highway 101, knowing that officers were trapped below, and poured two bottles of lighter fluid onto a burning CHP patrol car to intensify the fire. He also instructed another participant to splash flammable liquid on the car and assisted in throwing an electric scooter over the railing, aiming at the officers and patrol car below.
Federal prosecutors pointed out that at that time, the officers under the bridge were under attack by rioters throwing rocks, concrete blocks, fireworks, road signs, and burning debris. In a plea agreement, Flores admitted that he knew throwing heavy objects and burning debris posed a significant risk of death or serious bodily harm to the officers.
In April of this year, Flores admitted to obstructing and interfering with law enforcement officers in the line of duty during the riots.
Bill Essayli, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney at the Central District of California’s Prosecutor’s Office and the de facto highest-ranking official and chief federal prosecutor in the office, stated in a press release, “Violent attacks on law enforcement officers will result in federal imprisonment. Those who exacerbate chaos and endanger the safety of officers will face legal consequences. Today’s sentencing reflects our commitment to protecting officers who have sworn to safeguard community safety.”
Federal prosecutors have filed lawsuits against 7 individuals involved in the incident. Ismael Vega, 42 years old, was also sentenced to 37 months in prison last week. Adam Charles Palermo, 40 years old, described by prosecutors as a key participant in the attack, admitted to using deadly or dangerous weapons in the assault and obstructing federal law enforcement officers. He is scheduled for trial on December 14 and could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Flores is the latest individual sentenced in this case. The incident took place during the anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, 2025, which escalated into riots, resulting in damage to multiple police cars and officers being trapped.
(Reference: FOX NEWS report)