ICE arrests ‘flamethrower’ illegal tackled and zip-tied by mob in California wildfires

Federal agents have apprehended the illegal immigrant who was tackled and restrained by bystanders during the California wildfires in a dramatic incident captured on video. The Woodland Hills residents took action against Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva after witnessing him attempting to ignite debris with what appeared to be a “flamethrower” shortly after the massive wildfires began last January.

Los Angeles Police Department officers arrested Sierra-Leyva, 34, for a felony probation violation and suspicion of arson. The Ventura County Sheriff’s office identified him as a “person of interest” in the Kenneth fire, which scorched over 1,000 acres.

Sierra-Leyva was held until Thursday when he was released from Van Nuys Jail only to be immediately re-arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The viral security cam footage showed Sierra-Leyva using a blowtorch to ignite garbage and old Christmas trees before being confronted and subdued by neighbors.

Local resident Renata Grinshpun recounted hearing a commotion outside and seeing Sierra-Leyva attempting to start a fire with a large propane tank or flamethrower. Neighbors intervened and managed to apprehend Sierra-Leyva as he tried to flee on a bicycle. LAPD officers arrived and took him into custody.

Sierra-Leyva has a lengthy criminal record, including convictions for aggravated assault, trespassing, amphetamine possession, damaging property, violation of a court order, and disturbing public peace. He has spent over three years in US jails and illegally entered the country near Tecate, California, in 2009.

ICE officials placed an immigration detainer on Sierra-Leyva requesting his custody for deportation, but local authorities released him under California’s sanctuary law, which prohibits the use of state resources to assist federal immigration enforcement. California’s anti-ICE laws have been a subject of controversy, with a federal judge recently blocking a statute that would ban federal agents from wearing masks during law enforcement activities.

Sierra-Leyva’s case remains under scrutiny, with federal authorities seeking his removal from the US. Despite the lack of immediate arson charges, his criminal history and immigration status have raised concerns about public safety and enforcement of immigration laws. The community’s swift response to Sierra-Leyva’s actions highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation in preventing and addressing potential threats during natural disasters.