Federal authorities file charges against individual who garnered attention for handing out safety equipment to anti-ICE demonstrators during live broadcast
In the heart of Los Angeles, tensions have been running high due to ongoing violence and protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This week, Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, a 29-year-old East Los Angeles resident and longtime activist, found himself at the centre of a federal investigation.
On June 12, 2025, Orellana was arrested by the FBI and charged with conspiracy to commit civil disorder and aiding and abetting civil disorder, related to anti-ICE protests in the city. The charges stem from allegations that he distributed riot gear, including face shields and police-style masks, to protesters during a demonstration that escalated into violence near federal buildings downtown.
According to federal authorities, a video showed Orellana driving a Ford F-150 truck while a woman handed out the gear to protesters, actions intended to facilitate disorder during the protests. The arrests took place amid heightened tensions as ICE raids, National Guard presence, and federal law enforcement activity in Los Angeles had sparked widespread protests and clashes with police.
Orellana’s home was raided early on the morning of June 12 by the FBI, National Guard, and LA sheriffs, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are pursuing the matter. Community groups and supporters have denounced the charges as politically motivated, calling for their dismissal and describing Orellana as an important voice in immigrant rights activism and local social justice causes.
Despite these pressures, Orellana faces significant federal consequences for the alleged role in organizing and enabling protests that turned violent. The incident has sparked a wave of protests and calls for justice from community groups, with CENTRO CSO planning a protest on Thursday to demand the charges against Orellana be dropped.
Story tips can be sent to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]), a reporter for Digital. As of now, more than 40 people have been charged with offences stemming from violent riots against ICE efforts last month, with U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stating that they have been prioritizing the identification, location, and arrest of those involved in organizing, supporting, funding, or facilitating these riots.
[1] [FBI arrests activist Alejandro Orellana for allegedly aiding civil disorder during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles](https://www.digital.com/news/fbi-arrests-activist-alejandro-orellana-for-allegedly-aiding-civil-disorder-during-anti-ice-protests-in-los-angeles) [2] [LA activist Alejandro Orellana arrested for allegedly aiding civil disorder during anti-ICE protests](https://www.laweekly.com/news/la-activist-alejandro-orellana-arrested-for-allegedly-aiding-civil-disorder-during-anti-ice-protests-7808398) [3] [Alejandro Orellana, East LA activist, arrested for distributing riot gear during anti-ICE protests](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-12/alejandro-orellana-east-la-activist-arrested-for-distributing-riot-gear-during-anti-ice-protests) [4] [Los Angeles activist Alejandro Orellana arrested for allegedly aiding civil disorder during anti-ICE protests](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/alejandro-orellana-arrested-for-allegedly-aiding-civil-disorder-during-anti-ice-protests/2784897/)
- The ongoing political tension in Los Angeles intensified when Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, a well-known activist, was arrested and charged for his alleged role in facilitating civil disorder during anti-ICE protests.
- The accusations against Orellana, including conspiracy to commit civil disorder and aiding and abetting, have sparked widespread debate about the role of politics in policy-and-legislation, general-news, and crime-and-justice, particularly in the context of immigration and civil rights activism.
