‘Imprisonment and Fines’ Will Come [WATCH]

Federal authorities are warning that individuals and organizations providing financial support for violent demonstrations, including recent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, will face prosecution.

The message was delivered in a video statement Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis, and IRS Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher.

In the video shared by the FBI’s Los Angeles office on X, officials emphasized that while peaceful protest is protected under U.S. law, violence and coordinated attacks against law enforcement will not be tolerated—especially when financially supported.

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“The right to assemble and protest peacefully is protected by the law,” Essayli said.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen individuals whose intentions are to cause damage and to assault law enforcement. For example, last week, we arrested an individual who was charged with conspiracy to commit and aiding and abetting civil disorders. These violent agitators put peaceful demonstrators at risk.”

Davis stated that federal law enforcement agencies are actively investigating “individuals and organizations who are knowingly funding or committing acts of violence against law enforcement as well as the destruction of property.”

According to Hatcher, the IRS is currently tracing financial transactions to identify backers of recent riots.

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“Funding crime doesn’t just affect the criminals; it also disrupts entire communities,” he said.

“Each dollar funneled into illegal operations fuels violence, undermines law and order, and perpetuates fear. Make no mistake, we will identify financial networks supporting these criminal activities.”

Essayli concluded the video message with a direct warning: “Think before you act. The legal consequences for financing or aiding and abetting these crimes are harsh. They include imprisonment and fines.”

Davis also urged the public to report information about those providing financial support to violent rioters.

“If you have information about individuals and/or organizations who are providing financial support to commit acts of violence or destruction of property, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or TIPS.FBI.GOV.”

United States Attorney Bill Essayli, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis, and IRS Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher warn would-be offenders of the consequences of aiding and abetting acts of violence during civil unrest. @USAO_LosAngeles, @IRSCI_LA pic.twitter.com/jf0DGWzjrt

— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) June 17, 2025

The federal warning came on the heels of the arrest of Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, who was taken into custody last Thursday by the FBI.

Orellana has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders after allegedly distributing face shields to suspected rioters during the early stages of the anti-ICE unrest in Los Angeles.

According to federal prosecutors, the arrest is part of a broader operation to track and disrupt those organizing or materially supporting acts of civil disorder across the city.

ARRESTED: Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested this morning by @FBILosAngeles on an allegation of Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders (18 USC 371) for distributing face shields to suspected rioters on Tuesday. We are moving quickly to identify and arrest those involved in… pic.twitter.com/Ase8kxupfp

— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) June 12, 2025

Federal law enforcement’s increased visibility comes amid claims from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom that law enforcement had the situation under control and that there was no need for assistance from federal resources, including the National Guard or U.S. Marines.

However, statements from Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell contradict those claims.

According to McDonnell, conditions during the unrest escalated quickly, and the protests turned violent with incidents including freeway blockages, the throwing of concrete at officers, and the burning of Waymo vehicles.

The Department of Justice has not confirmed how many additional suspects are currently under investigation, but officials made clear that more arrests are expected as federal agencies work to disrupt the financial infrastructure behind violent civil unrest.

The crackdown marks a shift in how the federal government is approaching organized rioting, signaling that financial facilitators and logistical supporters will be held as accountable as those committing violence on the ground.

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