New video shows alleged suspect starting fire outside Manhattan federal building
Dramatic new footage has surfaced, capturing Andrew Arapaca igniting a fire just outside the Manhattan Federal Building, a key site for immigration courts. Known for his anti-immigration and anti-Customs Enforcement activities, Arapaca used an incendiary device to set the blaze. The FBI has launched an investigation into this alarming incident, with further details expected as authorities dive into the motives behind this attack in the heart of New York City.
In a related tale of violence tied to immigration protests, an undocumented immigrant faces federal prison after a daring assault during last year’s anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. Prosecutors say the individual, who poured lighter fluid onto a burning California Highway Patrol car while officers were trapped beneath a freeway overpass, has been convicted and sentenced.
Yachua Mauricio Flores, a 23-year-old from Mexico residing in Los Angeles’ Lincoln Heights, was dealt a 37-month federal prison sentence on Monday. Additionally, Flores must pay $253,415 in restitution for his actions during the riot on June 8, 2025, as stated by the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to federal prosecutors, Flores positioned himself on the Main Street overpass above U.S. Highway 101. From this vantage point, he joined others in bombarding the officers below with an array of projectiles, including rocks, concrete, fireworks, street signs, and flaming debris.
An image from federal evidence captures the moment prosecutors claim Yachua Mauricio Flores poured lighter fluid from the Main Street overpass during the chaotic June 2025 anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. (United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California)
As a CHP cruiser burned beneath the overpass, Flores poured lighter fluid from two separate bottles onto the flames, causing the fire to intensify, according to court records.
Prosecutors said he then directed another rioter to pour a flaming liquid onto the vehicle before helping throw an electric scooter over the railing toward CHP officers and patrol vehicles below.
Booking photo of Yachua Mauricio Flores, the Mexican national sentenced in connection with the June 2025 Los Angeles anti-ICE riots. (United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California)
Flores admitted he knew officers were trapped beneath the overpass and acknowledged that hurling heavy objects and burning debris created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, according to his plea agreement. He pleaded guilty in April to one count of obstructing, impeding and interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder.
Burning debris falls from a Los Angeles freeway overpass as California Highway Patrol officers respond below during the June 2025 anti-ICE riots. (United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California)
“Violent attacks on law enforcement will result in federal prison time,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. “Those who escalate chaos and endanger officers will be held accountable. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the men and women sworn to keep our communities safe.”
A California Highway Patrol vehicle with a shattered windshield after officers came under attack during the June 2025 anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. (United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California)
The attack unfolded two days after violence erupted during federal immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, leading to days of anti-ICE riots across the city.
Federal prosecutors have charged seven people in connection with the Main Street overpass attack, alleging several worked together to target the CHP cruiser and the officers trapped beneath it.
A CHP vehicle burns beneath the Main Street overpass in downtown Los Angeles during anti-ICE riots on June 8, 2025, after rioters targeted officers below, according to federal prosecutors. (The United States Department of Justice)
According to court records, Flores, Ismael Vega, 42, and Adam Charles Palermo, 40, all helped drop burning debris toward the cruiser while other rioters hurled rocks, chunks of concrete, fireworks and other objects at officers attempting to clear the overpass.
Flores is the latest person sentenced in the case. Vega received the same 37-month prison sentence last week after admitting he helped ignite burning debris that prosecutors said Flores later intensified with lighter fluid.
Palermo, who prosecutors have described as the lead participant in the attack, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 14 after pleading guilty to assaulting, resisting and impeding people assisting federal officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Following Monday’s sentencing, Essayli highlighted the case in a post on X.
“Another day, another illegal immigration rioter from last summer is sent to federal prison,” Essayli wrote.
“Actions have consequences. Those who attack law enforcement will face the full force of justice. This defendant can now reflect on his actions from a federal prison cell.”
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department.