L.A. District Attorney Announces Criminal Charges in Wake of Immigration Protest Unrest

une 2025

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has confirmed the filing of criminal charges against several individuals following a series of immigration protests that turned violent earlier this week. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Hochman outlined details of at least five separate criminal cases linked to the demonstrations, which took place across downtown Los Angeles.

While emphasizing that the majority of protests remained peaceful, Hochman warned that any criminal activity carried out under the guise of protest will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“If people want to engage in crimes, we will prosecute them,” Hochman stated. “Hurling bricks, hurling cinder blocks, hurling fireworks — that will not be tolerated in this county now or ever.”

Case Summaries: Protest-Related Charges Filed

Juan Rodriguez – Assault on Police with Fireworks

Rodriguez, a resident of Gardena, California, faces multiple felony charges, including assault upon a peace officer, resisting arrest, and advocating violence against law enforcement. Prosecutors allege that Rodriguez threw commercial-grade fireworks at police officers during a protest on June 8, causing injury to at least one officer.

If convicted, he faces six years and four months in state prison.

Randy Ruiz and Georgina Ravallaro – Vehicular Assault on Officers

Ruiz and Ravallaro have both been charged with two felony counts of assault upon a peace officer. According to prosecutors, the pair allegedly drove motorcycles into police officers, resulting in injuries and knocking down several individuals during the chaos.

They also face potential sentences of six years and four months in state prison if found guilty.

Timmy Paulk and Raven Mitchell – Burglary During Civil Unrest

In a separate incident, Timmy Paulk and Raven Mitchell were charged with second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft after allegedly looting a Nike store on June 8. Prosecutors say Paulk stole multiple items and fled the scene in a car driven by Mitchell.

Each faces up to three years in state prison.

Ulysses Sanchez – Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Firearms Charges

Ulysses Sanchez is facing the most severe potential sentence among those charged. He is accused of reckless driving in a minivan through downtown Los Angeles, as well as possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He has been charged with:

• Assault with a deadly weapon (felony)

• Illegal possession of a firearm by a felon

• Reckless driving (misdemeanor)

• Possession of a smoking device (misdemeanor)

Due to California’s three-strike rule, Sanchez could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

Christopher Gonzalez and Jocelyn Johnson – Vandalism Conspiracy

Protestors Christopher Gonzalez and Jocelyn Johnson were charged with one felony count of conspiracy to commit vandalism and two felony counts of vandalism. They are accused of defacing a downtown apartment complex and the Hall of Justice, key government properties affected during the protests.

Each defendant faces up to three years and eight months behind bars.

Peaceful Protest Still Predominant, Says DA

Despite the criminal charges, Hochman emphasized that these individuals represent a small fraction of the protestors. He credited the broader demonstrations as largely peaceful and constitutionally protected.

“We estimate that there’s probably thousands of people who’ve engaged in legitimate protests,” said Hochman.

Images from the protests, however, have drawn widespread attention, particularly those showing Customs and Border Protection officers outside the heavily vandalized Federal Building and multiple arrests carried out by LAPD in the downtown area.

Context: Protests Sparked by Immigration Raids

The recent wave of protests was sparked by a series of immigration enforcement raids conducted by federal authorities earlier this month. Demonstrators have taken to the streets to denounce what they see as aggressive and unjust immigration policies, demanding reforms and more humane treatment of undocumented immigrants.

While the protests have drawn support from advocacy groups, community leaders, and concerned citizens, city officials are working to strike a balance between upholding public safety and protecting the right to peaceful assembly.

As investigations continue and more suspects may be identified, the District Attorney’s Office confirmed that it is committed to holding all criminal actors accountable — while reaffirming support for free expression and lawful protest.