Mexican National Sentenced to 37 Months for Role in Attack on CHP Officers During LA Anti-ICE Riot

Yachua Mauricio Flores, a 23-year-old Mexican national residing in Los Angeles’ Lincoln Heights neighborhood, received a 37-month federal prison sentence Monday for his participation in a violent attack on California Highway Patrol officers during an anti-ICE demonstration last June. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Flores was also ordered to pay $253,415 in restitution for his role in the June 8, 2025 incident.

According to federal prosecutors, Flores stood atop the Main Street overpass above U.S. Highway 101 as rioters below bombarded law enforcement with rocks, concrete chunks, fireworks, and burning debris. As a CHP cruiser burned beneath the overpass with officers trapped underneath, Flores poured lighter fluid from two separate bottles onto the flames, intensifying the fire, court records show. He subsequently directed another rioter to douse the vehicle with flaming liquid and assisted in hurling an electric scooter over the railing toward officers and patrol vehicles.

Flores admitted knowing officers were positioned beneath the overpass and acknowledged that throwing heavy objects and burning debris posed substantial risk of death or serious injury. He pleaded guilty in April to one count of obstructing, impeding and interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder.

“Violent attacks on law enforcement will result in federal prison time,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “Those who escalate chaos and endanger officers will be held accountable.” Federal prosecutors have charged seven individuals in connection with the Main Street overpass attack, with several allegedly working together to target the CHP vehicle and trapped officers.

Ismael Vega, 42, received an identical 37-month sentence last week after admitting he helped ignite burning debris that Flores later intensified with lighter fluid. Adam Charles Palermo, 40, described by prosecutors as the lead participant, faces sentencing December 14 after pleading guilty to assaulting and impeding federal officers with a dangerous weapon, with potential exposure up to 20 years in prison.

The attack followed federal immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles that triggered days of anti-ICE demonstrations across the city. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles Police Department.