Ismael Vega, a 42-year-old man from Los Angeles, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for his involvement in violent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in June 2025. The sentencing was announced by the Justice Department, which also ordered Vega to pay $253,415 in restitution. Vega pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing law enforcement during civil disorder.
During the protests, Vega was part of a crowd that targeted California Highway Patrol officers, dropping burning debris and rocks onto their vehicles. Prosecutors stated that Vega's actions posed a significant risk of injury to the officers. This incident was part of a larger protest against federal immigration enforcement that escalated into violence. Vega is the fifth individual sentenced in connection with this case, with others facing upcoming sentencing dates.