Illegal immigrant who helped torch CHP cruiser during LA anti-ICE riot learns his fate

An illegal immigrant who prosecutors say poured lighter fluid onto a burning California Highway Patrol cruiser while officers were trapped beneath a Los Angeles freeway overpass during last year’s violent anti-ICE riots is headed to federal prison, becoming the latest person convicted in the brazen attack.

Yachua Mauricio Flores, a 23-year-old Mexican national living in Los Angeles’ Lincoln Heights neighborhood, was sentenced Monday to 37 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $253,415 in restitution for his role in the June 8, 2025 riot, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors said Flores stood on the Main Street overpass above U.S. Highway 101 as officers below were bombarded with rocks, chunks of concrete, fireworks, street signs, burning debris and other objects hurled by rioters.

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As a CHP cruiser burned beneath the overpass, Flores poured lighter fluid from two separate bottles onto the flames, causing the fire to intensify, according to court records.

Prosecutors said he then directed another rioter to pour a flaming liquid onto the vehicle before helping throw an electric scooter over the railing toward CHP officers and patrol vehicles below.

Flores admitted he knew officers were trapped beneath the overpass and acknowledged that hurling heavy objects and burning debris created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, according to his plea agreement. He pleaded guilty in April to one count of obstructing, impeding and interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder.

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“Violent attacks on law enforcement will result in federal prison time,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. “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 attack unfolded two days after violence erupted during federal immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, leading to days of anti-ICE riots across the city.

Federal prosecutors have charged seven people in connection with the Main Street overpass attack, alleging several worked together to target the CHP cruiser and the officers trapped beneath it.

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According to court records, Flores, Ismael Vega, 42, and Adam Charles Palermo, 40, all helped drop burning debris toward the cruiser while other rioters hurled rocks, chunks of concrete, fireworks and other objects at officers attempting to clear the overpass.

Flores is the latest person sentenced in the case. Vega received the same 37-month prison sentence last week after admitting he helped ignite burning debris that prosecutors said Flores later intensified with lighter fluid.

Palermo, who prosecutors have described as the lead participant in the attack, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 14 after pleading guilty to assaulting, resisting and impeding people assisting federal officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Following Monday’s sentencing, Essayli highlighted the case in a post on X.

“Another day, another illegal immigration rioter from last summer is sent to federal prison,” Essayli wrote.

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“Actions have consequences. Those who attack law enforcement will face the full force of justice. This defendant can now reflect on his actions from a federal prison cell.”

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department.