U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced on Wednesday that federal charges have been filed against two rioters involved in the violent protests in Los Angeles.
The federal charges against the rioters relate to the possession and attempted use of destructive devices during unrest tied to anti-ICE demonstrations in Paramount and downtown Los Angeles.
According to Essayli, Emiliano Garduno Galvez, 23, of Paramount, and Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, of Long Beach, have both been arrested and charged federally for possessing Molotov cocktails during the protests. Galvez is accused of throwing one of the incendiary devices at Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies in Paramount during a clash with protesters. Meanwhile, Quiogue was caught by LAPD officers in downtown Los Angeles, allegedly preparing to throw a Molotov cocktail before being apprehended.
🚨 ARRESTED: Federal charges filed against Emiliano Garduno Galvez, 23, of Paramount, and Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, of Long Beach, for possessing destructive devices. Galvez allegedly hurled a Molotov cocktail at L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies during last Saturday’s violent protest… pic.twitter.com/OqYI6F4n7F
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) June 11, 2025
“These are serious federal offenses,” Essayli stated. “If convicted, both men face up to 10 years in federal prison for their actions.”
The charges come in the wake of escalating violence tied to ongoing protests against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Southern California.
Over 100 arrests by federal agents across Los Angeles triggered demonstrations that quickly spiraled into chaos, with protesters attacking law enforcement and damaging government property.
Footage from the weekend showed rioters hurling cinderblocks and other objects at law enforcement vehicles as they left the scene. In one widely circulated video, federal and Border Patrol vehicles were seen exiting the protest area in Paramount under heavy assault from protesters.
“Many Border Patrol vehicles and other unmarked cars just exited the anti-ICE protest area in Paramount, California,” wrote journalist Jeremy Lindenfeld, who shared the video. “They were met with fierce resistance from protesters, with a number of vehicles being visibly damaged.”
The violence didn’t stop with Molotov cocktails and property damage. Another suspect, Elpidio Reyna, 40, has been identified by the FBI as the man seen throwing rocks and concrete debris at federal officers during the same protests in Paramount. The attack, which was captured on camera, occurred as federal agents were leaving a command post.
Reyna is currently on the run after federal agents raided his home. The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest.
“Elpidio Reyna can run, but he can’t hide,” said U.S. Attorney Essayli in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “He threw rocks at federal officers in a brazen attack that could have resulted in deaths. He is charged with assault on a federal officer, a serious crime that could carry substantial prison time.”
WANTED: Elpidio Reyna can run, but he can’t hide. He threw rocks at federal officers leaving a command post in Paramount on Saturday, a brazen attack caught on film and that could have resulted in deaths. Reyna, 40, is charged with assault on a federal officer, and faces up to… pic.twitter.com/YYgqRxo73a
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) June 10, 2025
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into the riots, and officials have warned that more arrests and charges may follow. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, social media posts, and witness testimony to identify others involved in the violent acts.
These charges mark a clear signal from federal authorities that violent demonstrations targeting law enforcement will be met with serious legal consequences.