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Paramount Today
By the People, for the People
Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Molotov Cocktail Attack During LA Immigration Protest
Emiliano Garduno Galvez, a Mexican national in the U.S. illegally, pleaded guilty to charges related to the June 2026 incident.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:15pm
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A 23-year-old man was sentenced to four years in federal prison after he admitted throwing a Molotov cocktail at Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies during protests against immigration raids across the region last spring. Emiliano Garduno Galvez, a Mexican national who authorities say is in the U.S. illegally, pleaded guilty in October to possessing an unregistered destructive device and civil disorder connected to his actions on June 7 in Paramount, a city near LA.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the potential for violence to erupt during protests over immigration enforcement actions, with authorities concerned about the threat to public safety and law enforcement officers. The case also raises questions about immigration policy and the legal status of individuals participating in such demonstrations.
The details
According to the plea agreement, Galvez admitted that he went behind a wall, lit the Molotov cocktail and then hurled it toward where he had seen the deputies. The incendiary device landed in a grassy area near the foot of a protester and about 15 feet from the deputies, and Galvez said he then ran away. Galvez threw the device 'intending to obstruct, interfere with, and impede the LASD deputies who were lawfully engaged in performance of official duties,' according to the agreement.
- On June 7, 2026, Galvez threw the Molotov cocktail at deputies during protests against immigration raids.
- In October 2026, Galvez pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered destructive device and civil disorder.
- On February 2, 2026, Galvez was sentenced to four years in federal prison.
The players
Emiliano Garduno Galvez
A 23-year-old Mexican national who authorities say is in the U.S. illegally and was sentenced to four years in federal prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail at Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies during protests against immigration raids.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
The law enforcement agency that responded to the protests where Galvez threw the Molotov cocktail.
What they’re saying
“This defendant's reckless behavior threatened the lives and safety of law enforcement officers and that of a lawful protester.”
— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Emiliano Garduno Galvez out on bail pending his appeal.
The takeaway
This case highlights the potential for protests over immigration enforcement actions to turn violent, with authorities concerned about the threat to public safety and law enforcement. It also raises questions about the legal status of individuals participating in such demonstrations and the appropriate response by law enforcement.
