LA DA Announces Felony Charges Against Protesters for Criminal Acts During Anti-ICE Demonstrations

District Attorney's Announcement on Protest-Related Crimes

• 🎯 LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced felony charges against five individuals for criminal violations during recent anti-ICE protests in Downtown Los Angeles.
• 💡 Hochman emphasized that these charges target a "relatively small segment" of protesters who used the demonstrations as a cover for criminal activity, distinct from the vast majority who protested peacefully.
• ⚠️ He stated that these individuals, numbering in the "hundreds, not even in the thousands," aimed to commit crimes and caused a disservice to legitimate protesters.

Specific Charges and Defendants

• 💥 William Rubio, 23, faces felony charges for assault on a police officer and using a destructive device, including allegedly throwing fireworks at law enforcement and possessing 20 individual fireworks, some equivalent to dynamite.
• 🔫 Terrell Tillis, 30, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and receiving a large-capacity magazine, allegedly carrying a loaded firearm during a curfew.
• 🚁 Antonia De La Rosa, 44, is charged with discharging a laser at an aircraft, accused of repeatedly pointing a green laser at an LAPD helicopter.
• 🛍️ Lea Baldwin, 39, faces a felony charge for second-degree commercial burglary for allegedly forcing entry into an Apple Store to loot it.
• 🚗 Adam Palermo, 39, is charged with multiple felonies including assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, arson, and vandalism for allegedly throwing a large rock at a CHP vehicle and setting a CHP SUV on fire.

Law Enforcement's Approach and Consequences

• 🔍 The District Attorney highlighted the "timing, techniques, and consequences" of these prosecutions, warning that law enforcement is actively tracking down individuals who committed crimes.
• 📱 "Techniques" include using anonymous tips from Crime Stoppers, social media, and various video footage to identify and apprehend suspects.
• ⚖️ Hochman stressed that these actions were not productive but days of destruction and law violation, leading to accountability and punishment.

Federal Charges and Zero Tolerance for Violence

• 🇺🇸 U.S. Attorney Bill Satz emphasized a "zero tolerance for violence" and announced that his office, along with federal and state partners, has charged over 20 individuals with federal crimes since June 6, 2025.
• 🛡️ Alejandro Orlena was charged for supporting violent protests by distributing face shields to individuals engaged in violence and vandalism, and was found with a slingshot, ammunition, and a notebook with anti-law enforcement slogans.
• 🚨 Adam Charles Palermo (also facing state charges) is charged federally with attempted arson, facing a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years.
• 🤢 Angus Johnson was charged with assaulting a federal agent for spitting on National Guard and federal police officers attempting to protect federal property.
• 🤝 Satz affirmed strong working relationships with local law enforcement to ensure aggressive and appropriate sentencing for all violent actors.