The Department of Justice announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent anti-ICE demonstrations in Southern California. Ten people were arrested for attacks against law enforcement and destruction of property tied to coordinated left-wing riots earlier this year.

The cases are being handled jointly by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the arrests are part of a promise to hold violent demonstrators accountable.

“There is zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement officers,” Essayli said. “During the summer we warned the public that anyone who engages in any violence will eventually be brought to justice. Today we are delivering on that promise and will continue to hold those who violated the law accountable.”

Two Oxnard residents, Virginia Reyes, 32, and Isai Carrillo, 31, were charged with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer. Carrillo was arrested, while Reyes remains a fugitive. Both could face up to five years in prison.

Investigators say the pair helped organize a mob that targeted federal agents during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in July. According to court documents, the protest was tipped off by social media posts revealing the agents’ location. By the time officers arrived, protesters had built barricades using farm equipment.

When federal agents tried to leave, they were met with rocks, ambushes, and roadblocks. Several government vehicles were damaged, and one federal contractor was injured.

Authorities say Reyes used her vehicle to block the road, while Carrillo joined others in throwing rocks at law enforcement.

In a separate case, nine more individuals were charged for rioting during an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles in June. The suspects range in age from 22 to 66 and include Ronald Alexis Coreas, Junior Roldan, Elmore Sylvester Cage, Balto Montion, Jesus Gonzalez Hernandez Jr., Hector Daniel Ramos, Stefano Deong Green, Yachua Mauricio Flores, and Ismael Vega.

Court filings show that after Los Angeles police declared the protest an unlawful assembly, demonstrators flooded a nearby freeway, blocking traffic and throwing debris. California Highway Patrol officers were attacked with rocks, electric scooters, and even street signs. One CHP vehicle was set on fire as chaos spread across multiple overpasses.

Federal investigators identified many of the suspects using photos and videos taken during the riots.

“While the Constitution protects the freedom of speech and the freedom to peaceably assemble, it does not provide for the freedom to assault federal officers, impede or obstruct federal officers or conspire to do so, or destroy government property,” said Eddy Wang, HSI’s Special Agent in Charge in Los Angeles. “We will vigorously protect the rights to free speech and free and peaceful assembly, but we will also, without fear or favor, deliver consequences and bring accountability to those criminals that violate federal law.”

Another suspect, 22-year-old Yovany Marcario Canil, was arrested after allegedly pepper-spraying into an FBI SWAT vehicle as it departed a Los Angeles protest site. The spray hit two agents in the face, causing burning and discoloration. Canil faces up to eight years in federal prison if convicted.

Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, Akil Davis, said the investigation remains active and warned that more arrests could follow.

“The FBI safeguards civil rights and the right to protest peacefully, but there is no place in a civilized society for violence targeted at law enforcement, nor the destruction of government property,” Davis said. “Our agents and police partners are carrying out their duties lawfully and should be able to do so without violent interference.”

The DOJ said the arrests represent the latest phase of a broader federal operation targeting violent groups using anti-ICE activism as cover for attacks on law enforcement. Officials confirmed they will continue monitoring networks that coordinate similar demonstrations across the country.

The arrests mark one of the largest federal crackdowns on left-wing rioters since President Trump’s second term began, signaling a clear message: the days of leniency for politically motivated violence are over.