A 17-year-old juvenile faces attempted murder charges as Los Angeles officials crack down on violent anti-ICE protesters who assaulted officers, attacked police horses, and threatened a child during riots that cost the city over $32 million in damages.
Key Takeaways
- Over 40 individuals have been charged in connection with violent riots against ICE operations in Los Angeles, with charges including attempted murder, assault on officers, and animal cruelty.
- Patrick Munoz faces up to 9 years for allegedly injuring an officer with a flagpole, while Robert Amaya could serve 13 years for threatening an 11-year-old girl with a knife.
- The riots, sparked by President Trump’s ordered immigration raids, resulted in at least 575 arrests and over $32 million in damages to the city, excluding National Guard costs.
- Multiple protesters were charged with assaulting police horses, with at least five LAPD horses injured during the violent demonstrations.
- Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has vowed continued investigation and prosecution of those who “committed criminal acts under the guise of protest.”
Violent Anti-ICE Protests Result in Serious Criminal Charges
The aftermath of last month’s anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles continues to unfold as law enforcement pursues charges against dozens of rioters who turned what began as political demonstrations into scenes of urban destruction. Over 40 individuals now face serious criminal charges stemming from their participation in violent protests against immigration enforcement operations. The most severe charge has been levied against a 17-year-old juvenile who stands accused of attempted murder, alongside numerous other offenses that reflect the intensity of the civil unrest that gripped parts of the city.
Among those charged is 37-year-old Patrick Munoz, who allegedly attacked a police officer with a flagpole and now faces up to nine years and two months in prison if convicted. Robert Amaya, 49, is charged with threatening an 11-year-old girl with a knife during the chaos, a crime that could result in a 13-year prison sentence. Additionally, Iran Castro, 29, and Dana Whitson, 66, both face significant prison time for allegedly assaulting sheriff’s department horses that were being used for crowd control, highlighting the unusual and disturbing nature of violence that characterized these demonstrations.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Prosecutions
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has made it clear that authorities are not finished with their work related to the riots. “The large-scale protests may have ended for now, but our work has not. We are continuing to review evidence, identify suspects, and file charges where the law has been broken. I want to thank the team of investigators and prosecutors for their tireless efforts to ensure that those who committed criminal acts under the guise of protest are held accountable,” said Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney.
The charges announced by county authorities complement federal efforts, with 23 individuals facing separate federal charges for crimes such as assaulting officers and conspiracy to impede arrests. The Los Angeles Police Department made at least 575 arrests during the unrest, with charges being announced in waves beginning on June 11. The evidence collection process has been extensive, with investigators combing through video footage, witness statements, and physical evidence to build cases against those responsible for the violence and property destruction.
Financial and Physical Toll of the Riots
The financial impact of the riots on Los Angeles has been staggering, with estimates indicating more than $32 million in damages and police overtime costs, a figure that doesn’t even include the expense of deploying the National Guard to restore order. This massive financial burden falls directly on taxpayers at a time when the city, like many others, faces significant budget constraints. Beyond property damage, the human toll included injuries to law enforcement personnel and their service animals, with at least five LAPD horses sustaining injuries during confrontations with protesters.
“L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman announced new charges against people at immigration raids protests in L.A., including a man and a woman accused of assaulting law enforcement horses and a teen accused of attempted murder,” said Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney.
The riots were sparked by President Trump’s order to immigration enforcement operations targeting illegal immigrants with outstanding deportation orders. While the enforcement actions were legal and part of established immigration policy, they triggered an outsized and violent response from certain segments of the Los Angeles community. Twin sisters Antonia Aguilar and Lucia Aguilar Cole, both 27, were among those charged after allegedly engaging in physical altercations with police officers attempting to maintain order during the chaos.
