“Every American has the right to peacefully protest,” Essayli said. “What is not constitutionally protected is a right to engage in violence or to impede federal agents by assaulting, doxing, or obstructing their operations.”

The first complaint stems from a July 10 enforcement action in Ventura County, including at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, where Department of Homeland Security officers were executing a court-ordered search warrant. Essayli said protesters, including members of a group known as VC Defensa, a volunteer protest and agitation network, formed a roadblock which prevented federal vehicles from leaving. Essayli said some individuals threw rocks and other objects, damaging at least four government vehicles and injuring a federal contract employee.

Two Oxnard residents, Virginia Reyes, 32, and Isai Carrillo, 31, are charged with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, an offense punishable by up to five years in federal prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli addresses the media in Los Angeles to announce the arrest of 10 defendants charged with participating in anti-ICE riots this spring and summer in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. pic.twitter.com/cu3Dv83EDi

— US Attorney L.A. (@USAO_LosAngeles) October 29, 2025

A second complaint focuses on the June 8 unrest in downtown Los Angeles following immigration operations two days earlier. According to an affidavit, demonstrators gathered near the Civic Center, and some allegedly assaulted California Highway Patrol officers and vandalized federal buildings and law enforcement vehicles. Police declared an unlawful assembly as the crowd spilled on to the 101 Freeway.

Essayli said protesters hurled rocks, street signs, and other objects from an overpass. Video captured people igniting debris and pouring a clear yellow liquid onto a burning CHP vehicle, intensifying the flames.

Charged in the complaint, with each facing a statutory maximum of five years, are Ronald Alexis Coreas, 23, of Westlake; Junior Roldan, 27, of Hollywood; Elmore Sylvester Cage, 34, of downtown Los Angeles; Balto Montion, 24, of Watsonville; Jesus Gonzalez Hernandez Jr., 22, of Las Vegas; Hector Daniel Ramos, 66, of Alhambra; Stefano Deong Green, 34, of Westmont; Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, of Lincoln Heights; and Ismael Vega, 41, of Westlake.

The third complaint arises from a June 6 incident near the Ambiance Apparel warehouse in the Fashion District. As federal vehicles departed the scene of a search, Yovany Marcario Canil, 22, allegedly discharged pepper spray into one of the vehicles, striking at least two FBI SWAT members. Marcario Canil is charged with assault on a federal officer, which carries a statutory maximum of eight years in prison.

Homeland Security Investigations’ Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang said authorities would “vigorously protect the rights to free speech and free and peaceful assembly,” but “will also, without fear or favor, deliver consequences and bring accountability to those criminals that violate federal law.”

FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis echoed that stance, saying agents “should be able to [carry out their duties] without violent interference” and urging the public to provide information on unidentified suspects in civil disorder and arson cases, highlighting a reward of up to $10,000.

Essayli said prosecutors to date have charged 97 individuals with assault or impeding federal agents involved in immigration enforcement. He warned that violence against officers is “unacceptable and illegal,” adding, “You will be arrested, you will be charged, and you will face serious prison time.”

Wednesday’s announcement came one day after a federal judge ruled that Essayli “unlawfully assumed the role of acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California” following the expiration of his interim appointment in July. U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright held that Essayli “may not perform the functions and duties of the United States Attorney,” and that he is disqualified from serving in that capacity.

JUDGE DISQUALIFIES TRUMP-APPOINTED US ATTORNEY FOR UNLAWFULLY SERVING IN ROLE

Essayli, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said his office is “navigating” the order and argued that nothing has effectively changed his authority, telling reporters, “Well, I’m still here. Not planning to go anywhere.”

“We’re still reviewing the order,” Essayli added. “We’re less concerned with titles and more concerned with the authority of my position to be able to run this office as the chief federal law enforcement officer of this district.”