A Los Angeles man will spend more than three years in federal prison after admitting he dropped burning debris onto law enforcement officers during violent anti-immigration enforcement riots that terrorized the city last year.

Fire Attack on Trapped Officers

Ismael Vega, 42, received a 37-month prison sentence Monday and must pay $253,415 in restitution for his role in the June 8, 2025 assault on California Highway Patrol officers. Vega pleaded guilty in April to obstructing and interfering with law enforcement during civil disorder. The Los Angeles resident participated in an organized attack where rioters trapped CHP officers beneath the Main Street overpass above U.S. Highway 101, then rained down burning materials, fireworks, and rocks onto the officers below.

Violent anti-ICE rioter who targeted police finally faces reckoning in federal court

Ismael Vega admitted dropping burning debris onto a CHP vehicle from a highway overpass during June 2025 civil disorder https://t.co/c2s1oTZ8o1

— Texas_4_Trump-Kenny (@TexasTrump2024) July 29, 2026

Court documents reveal Vega repeatedly helped others ignite debris before setting a large cardboard piece on fire himself. He held the burning material over the railing, aimed it at the hood of a patrol vehicle, and dropped it onto the cruiser. An accomplice then poured liquid accelerant onto the flames, intensifying the blaze as Vega stood nearby gesturing toward the fire. Prosecutors stated Vega also threw multiple rocks at officers attempting to clear the overpass.

Federal Warning After Conviction

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli issued a stark warning following the sentencing. “Those who attack our brave officers protecting public safety will face federal prison time for their crimes,” Essayli wrote on social media. “Let this be a warning to others who think they can act without consequences.” Federal prosecutors emphasized the severity of the incident in their sentencing memorandum, describing it as extraordinary in its magnitude. A CHP sergeant with nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience detailed the traumatic impact the attack had on him and his son.

Multiple Defendants Face Justice

Seven people face federal charges connected to the overpass assault, which occurred two days after violence erupted against federal immigration enforcement operations across Los Angeles. Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, is scheduled for sentencing on August 3 and faces up to five years in federal prison for his role in pouring accelerant on the fire. Adam Charles Palermo, 40, identified by prosecutors as the lead defendant, pleaded guilty to assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon. His sentencing is set for December 14, where he faces up to 20 years in prison. Vega acknowledged during his guilty plea that the burning debris created substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the officers trapped below the overpass.