Ismael Vega, 42, of Westlake was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay $253,415 after admitting he threw rocks and dropped burning debris from the Main Street overpass onto a CHP vehicle during anti‑ICE protests on June 8, 2025. Vega pleaded guilty April 29 to a federal count of obstructing and interfering with law enforcement and acknowledged his actions posed a serious risk of death or injury to officers. Co‑defendant Yachua Mauricio Flores faces sentencing on August 3; lead defendant Adam Charles Palermo faces sentencing in December. The FBI investigated the incident with assistance from CHP and LAPD.
Los Angeles Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Throwing Burning Debris and Rocks at CHP During Anti‑ICE Protests
Ismael Vega, 42, of Westlake, was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay $253,415 in restitution after admitting he threw rocks and hurled burning debris at California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers beneath the Main Street overpass above Highway 101 during violent anti‑ICE demonstrations on June 8, 2025.
Case Details
In a plea agreement entered April 29, Vega admitted that he knowingly participated in a coordinated effort to ignite and drop combustible materials — including cardboard, vegetation and fireworks — from the overpass onto a CHP vehicle and officers who were taking cover beneath the structure. Prosecutors say Vega lit a large piece of cardboard, aimed it over the railing so it would land on the hood of the CHP vehicle, and threw rocks at officers attempting to clear the scene.
"This civil disorder stood apart in its magnitude," prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum, noting the emotional toll on officers who were present.
Co-Defendants and Investigation
Authorities identified 23‑year‑old Yachua Mauricio Flores of Lincoln Heights as another participant; prosecutors say Flores poured an unknown liquid onto burning material to intensify the flames and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, facing up to five years in federal prison. The lead defendant, 40‑year‑old Adam Charles Palermo of Rampart Village, pleaded guilty to a felony count alleging assault, resisting and impeding persons assisting federal officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon and faces up to 20 years when he is sentenced on December 14.
The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities released photographs showing flaming debris falling from the Highway 101 overpass and a CHP vehicle on fire during the incident.
Outcome
Vega acknowledged that his actions created a serious risk of death or grave injury to officers below the overpass and admitted he intentionally acted to interfere with law enforcement carrying out their duties. He pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing, impeding and interfering with law enforcement and received the federal sentence and restitution order.
Ismael Vega (pictured in purple) was found to be throwing burning debris and rocks during the protest. Facebook/U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
The agitator Ismael Vega (pictured in purple) during an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles last summer. Facebook/U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Flaming debris shown being dropped from the Highway 101 overpass.
A CHP vehicle burned during anti-ICE protests in downtown Los Angeles in June 2025. Facebook/U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Adam Charles Palermo (pictured), faces up to 20 years in federal prison for trying to destroy a CHP vehicle after throwing fiery debris from the overpass. Obtained by the CA Post
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