In brief
Emiliano Garduno Galvez, a 23-year-old Mexican national, received a four-year sentence in federal prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail at sheriff’s deputies during a protest in Paramount, California. His actions occurred amidst widespread demonstrations against immigration raids in June 2022, where he admitted to attempting to disrupt law enforcement duties. The U.S. Attorney’s office highlighted the reckless nature of his actions, which endangered both officers and peaceful protesters.
LOS ANGELES — A 23-year-old man was sentenced to four years in federal prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail at law enforcement during protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles County. Emiliano Garduno Galvez, a Mexican national reported to be in the U.S. illegally, pleaded guilty last October to charges of possessing an unregistered destructive device and civil disorder linked to events that occurred on June 7 in Paramount, near L.A. During the protests, demonstrators often clashed with police, throwing rocks and other items. Galvez concealed himself, ignited the incendiary device, and hurled it toward deputies, landing it dangerously close to both law enforcement and other protesters. Bill Essayli, a U.S. attorney, condemned Galvez's actions as reckless and harmful. While his defense sought a lenient sentence of three years, highlighting his acknowledgment of wrongdoing, federal prosecutors underscored the serious nature of his crime amidst an environment of heightened tensions and public demonstrations.