A Lincoln Heights man was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after admitting to pouring lighter fluid on police vehicles and throwing an electronic scooter toward officers during an anti-ICE protest in June 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, pleaded guilty in April to one count of obstructing, impeding and interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder.
Federal authorities said Flores was among the protesters who attacked law enforcement officers from the Main Street overpass above the 101 Freeway. According to the DOJ, California Highway Patrol officers positioned below the overpass were targeted by protesters who threw rocks, chunks of concrete and lighted objects.
“Flores poured lighter fluid from a plastic water bottle onto a burning CHP vehicle, causing the flames to intensify,” the Justice Department said. “He then pointed to and directed another individual, who lit a liquid substance on fire and poured the flaming liquid onto the same CHP vehicle.”
After Flores poured a second bottle of lighter fluid onto the vehicle, he and another person threw an electric scooter over the overpass railing toward CHP vehicles and officers below, according to federal prosecutors.
As part of his plea agreement, Flores admitted that he knew his actions would create “a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the officers.”
“Violent attacks on law enforcement will result in federal prison time,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said. “Those who escalate chaos and endanger officers will be held accountable. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the men and women sworn to keep our communities safe.”
The unrest on June 8, 2025 followed public immigration enforcement operations at several workplaces in downtown Los Angeles and the Westlake District.
The operations quickly sparked demonstrations across downtown Los Angeles, including outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. Protesters clashed with local and federal law enforcement officers, prompting the Los Angeles Police Department to issue a tactical alert.
By the evening of June 8, when Flores allegedly poured lighter fluid onto a CHP vehicle, President Donald Trump had already deployed 300 National Guard members to Los Angeles to respond to the unrest and protect federal property.
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