2 charged for alleged Molotov cocktail possession at LA protests
Share and Follow


LOS ANGELES () Two Southern California men face federal charges for allegedly possessing Molotov cocktails during recent anti-ICE protests in downtown Los Angeles, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

Emiliano Garduno Galvez, 23, of Paramount, and Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, of Long Beach, were charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device, which carries the possibility of 10 years in federal prison.

Quiogue was ordered detained on Tuesday at his initial court appearance. Galvez is expected to make their initial appearance in United States District Court “in the coming days,” according to a news release from the Justice Department.

“When protesting crosses the line into violence, the penalties will be severe,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “Possessing a Molotov cocktail or another destructive device is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. The vile attacks, such as the ones alleged in these complaints, could have resulted in life-altering or life-ending injuries to police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and innocent bystanders. We will not relent in dispensing swift justice to criminals who take advantage of our country’s freedoms to engage in lawlessness.”

Separately, two people were charged with assault on a federal officer, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in federal prison, stemming from violence at recent rallies in Santa Ana, according to the Justice Department.

The protests began Friday after federal immigration raids arrested dozens of workers in Los Angeles. Protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, and police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades.

Thousands of people have peacefully rallied outside City Hall, and hundreds more protested outside a federal complex that includes a detention center where some immigrants are being held following workplace raids.

Hundreds were arrested Tuesday as thousands of National Guard troops were standing by at Trump’s behest.

The majority of arrests since the protests began have been for failing to disperse.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Body found confirmed to be missing Camila Mendoza Olmos in Texas, death ruled suicide

Tragic Discovery: Missing Texas Teen Camila Mendoza Olmos Found Dead, Suicide Confirmed by Authorities

The remains discovered in a Texas field have been identified as those…
Kathy Griffin, 65, reveals she fell in love with a 23-year-old following her divorce from Randy Bick

65-Year-Old Kathy Griffin’s Surprising New Romance: Falling for a 23-Year-Old After Divorce

Kathy Griffin recently disclosed that she unexpectedly fell for a man who…
2025 recap: New Bears era, Chicago-born Pope Leo, CPD officer killed, fiery CTA attack, Operation 'Midway Blitz', and more

Highlights of 2025: Chicago’s New Bears Legacy, Hometown Hero Pope Leo, Tragic Loss of CPD Officer, Explosive CTA Incident, and ‘Midway Blitz’ Unveiled

As 2025 draws to a close, ABC7 takes a moment to look…
Missing Camila Mendoz Olmos: Dashcam captures last sighting of Texas teen who vanished Christmas Eve

Texas Teen Camila Mendoza Olmos: Dashcam Footage Reveals Final Moments Before Christmas Eve Disappearance

FBI joins search for missing Texas 19-year-old The aunt and cousin of…
Arlington Heights couple says free smoke detector installed by fire department helped save their lives during kitchen blaze

Arlington Heights Couple Credits Fire Department’s Free Smoke Detector with Life-Saving Role in Kitchen Fire

In Arlington Heights, Illinois, a couple is sharing their story, highlighting a…
Rider goes through McDonalds on horseback, trots away with ice cream cone

Unbridled Delight: Equestrian Customer Rides Through McDonald’s Drive-Thru for Sweet Ice Cream Treat

When it comes to counting calories, some individuals take a refreshing approach—on…
Winning '$1,000 A Week For Life' lottery ticket sold in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Resident Scores Big with Lifetime $1,000 Weekly Lottery Win

In a stroke of New Year’s luck, a lucky individual in St.…
Jonas Brothers close out Daily's Place concerts as venue closes for two-year renovation

Jonas Brothers Rock Final Show at Daily’s Place Before Two-Year Renovation Closure

The Jonas Brothers’ recent performance was a poignant farewell for fans at…