Los Angeles continues to descend into chaos as far-left agitators clash with federal authorities and local police during ongoing anti-ICE riots. This week, authorities made a key arrest: Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was taken into custody by the FBI’s Los Angeles division for allegedly distributing riot gear—including face shields—to protesters during a violent demonstration. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit civil disorder under 18 U.S. Code § 371.
Video evidence shows Orellana and an accomplice handing out “Bionic Shield” masks and other equipment from a truck parked at an intersection during Tuesday’s unrest. Bionic Shields are high-tech masks that protect the face and eyes, making them an effective defense against tear gas or other crowd-dispersing tools the police might use to quell unrest.
Federal prosecutors say these materials were being actively distributed to participants in what quickly devolved into a full-blown riot.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli didn’t mince words in his announcement Thursday morning. “We are moving quickly to identify and arrest those involved in organizing and/or supporting civil disorder in Los Angeles,” he said.
Authorities say the situation on the ground has worsened over the last week, with six consecutive nights of protests spiraling into vandalism, violence, and assaults on law enforcement officers. A citywide curfew was imposed on Tuesday by LA Mayor Karen Bass, but violence has continued. Over 400 people have been arrested, with charges ranging from failure to disperse to assaulting officers, possession of firearms, and even Molotov cocktails.
But this growing crisis isn’t just about street-level agitators. It’s about a seemingly systemic attack on citizens by far-left protestors, and, more importantly, finding out who is funding it.
California Assemblyman Carl DeMaio sounded the alarm this week in Sacramento, calling out Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic supermajority for diverting taxpayer dollars to radical activist groups fueling the violence. According to DeMaio, groups like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) have received millions in both state and federal funds.
“This is one of the many groups on the ground in LA that has received state taxpayer funding to organize violent protests against law enforcement,” DeMaio said. He pointed to records showing CHIRLA received nearly $34 million in government grants in 2024 alone—a massive increase from previous years.
“These aren’t spontaneous uprisings,” said independent journalist DataRepublican. “They are organized, funded, and coordinated.”
CHIRLA, alongside nonprofits like “Operation Healthy Hearts,” has reportedly been handing out protest kits containing goggles, gloves, face masks, and even phone numbers for legal support in case of arrest, making it clear these actions are premeditated, not peaceful.
Meanwhile, on the front lines, ICE agents and federal law enforcement are under siege. According to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), officers are facing physical attacks, online doxxing, and threats against their families, all while working exhausting shifts with outdated equipment and capped pay.
FLEOA President Mathew Silverman praised the Trump administration’s response, which included deploying thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines to support ICE operations. He emphasized that law enforcement officers are doing far more than enforcing immigration laws—they are holding the line against lawlessness.
“Officers wear masks to protect their families. Rioters wear masks to hide from justice,” Silverman said.
He also blasted unfair federal compensation policies that limit how much law enforcement officers can be paid, even when working overtime under dangerous conditions. FLEOA is pushing for reforms, including lifting the federal pay cap and passing legislation to better support those who put their lives on the line.
In stark contrast to the cowardice of masked agitators destroying public property, ICE leadership has shown what real courage looks like. Director Todd Lyons and Deputy Director Madison Sheahan stood shoulder-to-shoulder with frontline agents in Los Angeles, sending a clear message: law enforcement will not back down.
The time has come to follow the money, confront the radical networks exploiting taxpayer funds, and fully support those tasked with restoring order. As DeMaio put it plainly, “Budgets reflect values.”
California’s leaders must decide whether they stand with lawbreakers and illegal aliens, or with their law-abiding constituents. Thus far, it’s been clear which way the wind is blowing.
