A Santa Clara, Utah, man has received a 36-month probation sentence for the damage he inflicted upon an ICE Transit Van, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Ryan Michael Gaines, 32, also faces a restitution order of $2,883.20 payable to the Department of Homeland Security, a consequence of his guilty plea to federal felony charges of willfully damaging government property back in April 2025.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Alle following Gaines's admission of guilt on October 9, 2025, Gaines who was also identified in surveillance footage vandalizing the vehicle outside the ICE ERO Office in St. George Utah, had proceeded to tear apart components from the van's passenger and driver's side mirrors on April 18, the act was captured on video surveillance and later led to his arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings.
In statements reported by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah emphasized the significance of the offense, saying, "Gaines’ conduct is yet another example of an attempt to threaten and obstruct our federal officers tasked with the difficult and multi-faceted duty of enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws." Additionally, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls noted the deliberate nature of Gaines's actions, remarking, "The defendant's actions were intentional and calculated, no officer or public servant should have to fear for their safety simply for doing their job."
