INTRODUCTION
LOS ANGELES − Authorities announced on Wednesday that two individuals have been charged in connection with the use of firebombs during a series of protests that have significantly impacted a downtown area of the city.
These demonstrations have led to President Trump’s contentious decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the region.
The federal complaint identifies Emiliano Gardno Galvez, 23, from Paramount, and Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, from Long Beach, as facing charges for possession of an unregistered destructive device, a crime that could result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U.S.
Attorney Bill Essayli revealed that at least nine individuals are currently facing federal charges related to the ongoing protests, highlighting the serious legal ramifications stemming from the unrest.
ANGELES − Authorities announced on Wednesday that two individuals have been charged in connection with the use of firebombs during a series of protests that have significantly impacted a downtown area of the city.
These demonstrations have led to President Trump’s contentious decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the region.
The federal complaint identifies Emiliano Gardno Galvez, 23, from Paramount, and Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, from Long Beach, as facing charges for possession of an unregistered destructive device, a crime that could result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U.S.
Attorney Bill Essayli revealed that at least nine individuals are currently facing federal charges related to the ongoing protests, highlighting the serious legal ramifications stemming from the unrest.
The recent wave of protests has been ignited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that were initiated following President Trump’s directive aimed at locating undocumented immigrants residing in the United States.
In response to these demonstrations, the Los Angeles Police Department has reported that it has taken into custody more than 385 individuals since the onset of the protests.
Notably, over 200 of these arrests occurred after a curfew was enforced on Tuesday night, highlighting the escalating tensions between law enforcement and demonstrators advocating for immigrant rights.
Protests against immigration enforcement actions and in solidarity with demonstrators in Los Angeles have erupted across the United States, spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast.
On Tuesday night, numerous individuals were taken into custody during demonstrations that unfolded in major cities such as New York, Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
These gatherings reflect a growing discontent with immigration policies and a collective call for justice and humane treatment of immigrants.
The protests have drawn diverse crowds, united by a common cause, and have highlighted the ongoing national debate surrounding immigration reform and the rights of individuals facing deportation.
As tensions rise, the movement continues to gain momentum, signaling a significant moment in the ongoing discourse on immigration in America.
Marines expected to deploy within 48 hours
The U.S. Northern Command has announced that 700 active-duty Marines are set to be deployed to Los Angeles within the next 48 hours.
These Marines have successfully completed their training in preparation for their mission in California, ensuring they are well-equipped to fulfill their roles effectively.
Officials from Northern Command have emphasized that the Marines will work in close coordination with National Guard force
facilitating a seamless integration of resources and personnel.
This collaborative effort aims to enhance operational efficiency and support local authorities in addressing the challenges they may face during this deployment.
The decision to activate and include additional personnel in the task force was aimed at ensuring sufficient manpower to maintain ongoing surveillance and support for the Lead Federal Agency,
which is identified as the Department of Homeland Security, encompassing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On Wednesday, National Guard commander Major General Scott Sherman emphasized that his troops would be operating in conjunction with federal agents,
stating that the federal agents are in charge of the operation while the National Guard’s role is to provide support.
He highlighted that the primary focus of their efforts is to safeguard federal facilities and personnel as they carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Marines being deployed have received specialized training in crowd management, techniques for de-escalating tense situations, and the appropriate application of force, as reported by Northern Command.
This deployment will see these additional forces integrate with the existing contingent of 2,100 National Guard members who are already actively engaged on the ground, according to official statements.
The combination of these trained Marines and the National Guard is intended to enhance the overall effectiveness of the response efforts in the area, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared to handle various scenarios that may arise during their operations.
Homeland Security seeks weapons, drones for LA immigration crackdown
The Department of Homeland Security has reached out to the Pentagon for assistance in the logistics of moving military-grade weapons from Fort Benning in Georgia, as well as from another location in Wyoming,
to Los Angeles. This request comes in the context of an increasingly militarized approach to immigration enforcement in the city, where the federal government has intensified its crackdown on undocumented individuals.
The collaboration between these two agencies highlights the growing intersection of military resources and domestic law enforcement efforts, raising questions about the implications of such a strategy on civil liberties and community relations.
The request from the Department of Homeland Security, which has been validated by a Defense official, includes a demand for “drone surveillance support,” guidance for military personnel on the detention or arrest of individuals deemed “lawbreakers,”
and the involvement of graduates from institutions such as the Marines’ School of Advanced Warfighting to establish a joint operations center.
However, the specifics regarding the types of weapons that Homeland Security officials are considering for their immigration enforcement efforts in California remain ambiguous.
Additionally, it is unclear who would be responsible for deploying these weapons and the intended targets of such actions.
Pentagon officials are currently assessing the request, as indicated by the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding this matter.
