A Los Angeles man who participated in violent anti-ICE riots will spend more than three years in federal prison after admitting he targeted law enforcement officers by dropping burning debris onto their patrol vehicle and throwing rocks during civil unrest last year.
Federal Court Delivers Sentence
Ismael Vega, 42, received a 37-month prison sentence Monday and must pay $253,415 in restitution for his role in the June 8, 2025, attack. The Westlake neighborhood resident pleaded guilty in April to obstructing, impeding and interfering with law enforcement during civil disorder. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned that those who attack officers protecting public safety will face serious federal consequences. The Justice Department emphasized the message to anyone considering similar actions.
JUST IN 🚨: Los Angeles' FA Attorney General Bill Essayli has stated that Ismael Vega, 42 of Westlake CA, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for throwing rocks and fire debris at CHP officers during last years anti-ice riots in Los Angeles, CA. https://t.co/RFuKioiBqI pic.twitter.com/03eWMIuCx5
— Anthony Cabassa (@anthonycabassa) July 28, 2026
Federal prosecutors detailed how Vega joined a large crowd on the Main Street overpass above U.S. Highway 101 as immigration enforcement protests turned violent. Court documents show he knew California Highway Patrol officers were trapped beneath the overpass when rioters began dropping burning debris, fireworks and other dangerous objects toward patrol vehicles parked below. Vega repeatedly helped others ignite debris before setting a large piece of cardboard on fire himself.
Coordinated Attack on Trapped Officers
Court records reveal Vega held the burning cardboard over the railing, deliberately lined it up with the hood of the CHP vehicle, and dropped it onto the cruiser below. As the cardboard burned on the patrol car, Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, poured liquid onto the flames, intensifying the fire while Vega stood nearby gesturing toward the blaze. Vega also admitted throwing multiple rocks at officers attempting to clear the overpass.
Prosecutors described the incident as standing apart in its magnitude. A CHP sergeant with nearly three decades in law enforcement provided a statement describing the profound impact the attack had on him and his son, underscoring how violent the incident became and the deep toll it took on all law enforcement present. Vega acknowledged the burning debris and other objects created substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to officers below.
Broader Pattern of Violence
The overpass attack occurred two days after violence erupted against federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors charged seven people total in connection with the incident. Flores faces sentencing on August 3 with up to five years in federal prison possible. Adam Charles Palermo, 40, identified as the lead person charged in the case, is scheduled for sentencing December 14 after pleading guilty to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon. He faces up to 20 years in prison for his role in the coordinated attack on law enforcement.