Illegal immigrant charged with Molotov cocktail attack in L.A. protests

Note: This story has been updated with new information from the Justice Department.

Federal authorities said Wednesday they have charged an illegal immigrant who allegedly tossed a Molotov cocktail firebomb at officers during the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Emiliano Garduno Galvez, a Mexican with a criminal record, is one of four people to face federal charges stemming from the wave of violence as people protest President Trump’s demand for deportation arrests.

Prosecutors charged him with possession of a destructive device, saying he was caught on video lighting a Molotov cocktail and then tossing it at Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies.

Also facing that same charge is Wrackkie Quiogue, of whom police body camera footage showed lighting a firebomb and throwing it in the air as officers converged on him.

“When protesting crosses the line into violence, the penalties will be severe,” said acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, calling the attacks “vile.”

Homeland Security had previously said Mr. Galvez was charged with attempted murder.

“Emiliano Garduno-Galvez is a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who threatened the lives of federal law enforcement officers by attacking them with a Molotov cocktail during the violent riots in Los Angeles. ICE arrested Garduno-Galvez, and he is now being charged with attempted murder,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

But no such charge has been posted to the federal court in Los Angeles yet.

When asked about the discrepancy, the department responded with a copy of its press release.

Christian Garcia and Rene Luna have also been charged with assaulting federal officers, the Justice Department said.

Authorities said Mr. Galvez was in the U.S. illegally after having overstayed his visa. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested him on Monday for being an illegal immigrant, and he was charged with possession of a destructive device Tuesday.

He was positively identified as the man shown tossing the firebomb on video based on a tattoo on his right hand.

Mr. Galvez entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and was supposed to leave on June 8, 2015. A decade later, he was still here without permission, authorities said.

He had two arrests in 2024. One was for theft and resisting an officer, and the other was for driving under the influence and hit-and-run on property, according to an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Homeland Security, in its release, said Mr. Galvez had also been previously deported.