Alejandro Orellana, a 29-year-old activist and member of the Boyle Heights-based community organization Centro CSO, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his involvement in recent protests against the Trump administration’s immigration raids.
Orellana faces charges of conspiracy and aiding and abetting civil disorder, according to court documents.
The indictment states that he, along with at least two accomplices, distributed Uvex Bionic face shields and other protective items to protesters on June 9, during a demonstration near the federal building on Los Angeles Street.
Prosecutors allege that Orellana’s actions were aimed at assisting protesters in defending against less-lethal munitions used by law enforcement after an unlawful assembly was declared.
At a court appearance on Thursday morning, Orellana pleaded not guilty as a supportive crowd filled the gallery.
A trial date has been set for late August.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, appointed by President Trump, has stated his commitment to aggressively prosecute individuals who disrupt U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations or harm law enforcement during protests.
This case is part of a broader crackdown, with federal prosecutors having initiated at least 23 prosecutions related to the protests, although some have been dismissed or amended to misdemeanors.
During a recent news conference, Essayli defended the indictment, stating that Orellana was specifically distributing supplies to what he classified as violent demonstrators.
He argued that Orellana’s actions differed significantly from those of peaceful protesters and highlighted the use of masks and backpacks as indicators of intent to engage in violence.
Essayli described anyone remaining at the protest once an unlawful assembly was declared as a “rioter” and maintained that peaceful demonstrators would not require protective gear like face shields.
Colleagues of Orellana express outrage over the charges, calling them ridiculous.
Carlos Montes, a fellow member of Centro CSO, stated that the accusation trivializes Orellana’s actions, which he depicts as giving out personal protective equipment, along with essentials like water, hand sanitizer, and snacks.
Montes also highlighted their belief that the indictment represents a targeted attack on their organization due to its pro-immigrant stance, citing recent investigative actions where FBI agents seized another member’s cellphone.
He pushed back against Essayli’s claims about peaceful protesters not needing protective equipment, referencing numerous incidents where individuals have been seriously injured during confrontations with law enforcement in recent years.
An investigation by a Times report revealed allegations of police using rubber rounds and other munitions that resulted in significant injuries to protesters and journalists alike.
The situation surrounding Orellana’s case continues to unfold as he navigates the legal process, and his supporters rally behind him, demanding the charges be dropped.
image source from：latimes
