In brief
A 23-year-old Mexican national, Emiliano Garduno Galvez, has pleaded guilty to charges related to throwing a Molotov cocktail at Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies during a protest on June 7 against immigration raids. His actions intended to obstruct law enforcement follow a wave of demonstrations, some peaceful and others resulting in clashes and arrests. Galvez could face up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on January 30.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Emiliano Garduno Galvez, a 23-year-old undocumented immigrant, has pleaded guilty to throwing a Molotov cocktail at sheriff’s deputies amidst protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles County last spring.The incident occurred on June 7 in Paramount, California, where authorities state that Galvez intentionally engaged in civil disorder by hurling the incendiary device at law enforcement and obstructing their duties. He faces a significant prison sentence of up to 15 years at his sentencing on January 30.According to the plea agreement, the young man described how he lit the Molotov cocktail hidden behind a wall before tossing it toward deputies amidst a larger protest crowd outside a Home Depot where U.S. Border Patrol agents were present.The incendiary device landed near protesters and was approximately 15 feet away from law enforcement officials. Galvez fled the scene after throwing the device, which he admitted was aimed at interfering with the deputies' lawful actions.While many protests during this period were peaceful, some escalated into violence, resulting in clashes with police and numerous arrests. Authorities utilized chemical irritants to disperse crowds at various locations across the region.
