A Los Angeles activist caught on camera doling out riot gear during a heated anti-ICE protest is now facing serious federal charges.
Alejandro Orellana, 29, was indicted by the Department of Justice this week for conspiracy to aid and abet civil disorder after video showed him distributing face shields, masks, and supplies to protesters from the back of a pickup truck on June 9. The viral clip quickly drew the attention of federal agents, who tracked Orellana down and arrested him at his parents’ home.
Prosecutors say Orellana and his crew stocked up on Uvex brand face shields, water bottles, and other gear to equip demonstrators rallying against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The June protests in Los Angeles drew hundreds and were marked by tense clashes with police.
Orellana isn’t new to activism. A U.S. Marine veteran, he works for UPS and is a shop steward for the Teamsters Union. He’s been active for years with Centro CSO — a community group inspired by the legacy of labor leader Cesar Chavez. Now, Centro CSO is planning protests across L.A. demanding that the charges be dropped.
Their rallying cry? “An attack on one of us is an attack on the people’s movement!”
The indictment reignites debate over how far law enforcement should go in prosecuting protest organizers — and whether handing out protective gear should be treated as criminal conduct.
For now, Orellana’s supporters are digging in for a fight, promising to take to the streets again this week. Meanwhile, the DOJ says his actions helped fuel a civil disorder that endangered both officers and the public, and they plan to hold him accountable in court.
