LOS ANGELES — In a significant legal outcome, 23-year-old Emiliano Garduno Galvez has received a four-year sentence in federal prison after he admitted to throwing a Molotov cocktail at sheriff's deputies during a protest against immigration raids in Los Angeles County.
Galvez, a Mexican national who is reportedly in the U.S. illegally, pleaded guilty in October to multiple charges including the possession of an unregistered destructive device. His sentencing took place on Friday.
The incident occurred on June 7 in Paramount, a city adjacent to Los Angeles, where demonstrators were protesting against the actions of the U.S. Border Patrol. Reports indicate that while many in the crowd were peaceful, some resorted to throwing rocks and other items.
According to the plea agreement, Galvez confessed to taking the incendiary device, lighting it, and throwing it towards the area where deputies were stationed. The device landed near a protester, approximately 15 feet from the police officers, sparking serious concerns about the safety of both law enforcement and civilians.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli expressed grave concerns regarding Galvez's reckless behavior, which put many lives at risk during a highly volatile situation.
Galvez's public defenders sought a lighter sentence of three years, arguing that he has since recognized the gravity of his actions and the potential consequences of his behavior.
This incident highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding immigration policy debates, where protests have led to both peaceful demonstrations and violent confrontations.
