Los Angeles has seen a surge of tensions as immigration raids instigate protests and clashes with law enforcement. In a recent development, a man named Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested this Thursday in East Los Angeles by FBI agents, as reported by KTLA. Orellana is accused of distributing face shields at an immigration protest, with U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli labeling the act as aid to "suspected rioters."
According to the post by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, the charge falls under an allegation of Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders. The incident occurred amidst thousands protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has since galvanized a huge backlash from local residents. KTLA reports that residents awoke to the sounds of flash bangs and law enforcement commanding them to stay indoors during the arrest of Orellana. One resident, unaware of the reason behind the detention, expressed his surprise, noting, "No, nothing of the sort. Nothing at all. No one in this block have I heard any, you know, bad news from or any gossip."
ARRESTED: Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested this morning by @FBILosAngeles on an allegation of Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders (18 USC 371) for distributing face shields to suspected rioters on Tuesday. We are moving quickly to identify and arrest those involved in… pic.twitter.com/Ase8kxupfp
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) June 12, 2025
Video footage captured by Citizen.com shows a hostile exchange between protesters and law enforcers during the incident. As one person used a bullhorn, others were seen shouting expletives and demanding that the deputies leave the area. The altercation highlights the increased friction between the protesters and law enforcement authorities, underlining the escalating conflict over immigration policies in the city.
This controversial arrest is just one element of a broader political and procedural skirmish. Reports from FOX 11 elaborate on the backstory where disruptions to routine immigration processes, aggressive ICE raids, and the presence at events such as elementary school graduations have sparked citywide outrage. This has led to the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines by President Trump, a move that California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta claim is unlawful, adding a layer of conflict to an already heated situation.
