Who is Alejandro Theodoro Orellana? Man arrested for aiding distribution of ‘bionic shield' masks to LA protesters
Also Read: Why US judge ruled Trump's deployment of National Guard in California was illegal
Alejandro Theodoro Orellana is a 29-year-old man from East Los Angeles who was arrested by the FBI on June 12, 2025, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit civil disorder. Federal authorities allege that Orellana distributed face shields and police-style masks to suspected rioters during a protest in Los Angeles that turned violent earlier in the week.
Orellana was charged with conspiracy to commit civil disorder after he allegedly gave out gas masks and riot shields to protesters on Tuesday. A video showed people running up to a Ford F-150 as a woman in the back handed out the gear. Authorities believe Orellana was driving the truck, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The unidentified woman was seen handing out 'bionic shield' branded masks and riot shields to the protestors alongside Orellana while the National Guard was stationed nearby. The two seem to be travelling with a group of individuals. However, it is yet to be verified if the group was affiliated with any organization.
Also Read: What is 9th Circuit Court of Appeals? Order that reinstates Trump can keep National Guard in LA
In talks with Fox News, Essayli shared that the riots 'appear' to be 'well-orchestrated, coordinated and well-funded.' He continued, 'We have made it a huge priority to try to identify, locate and arrest those who are involved in organizing, supporting, funding or facilitating these riots that they're going on.' He added, 'We want to understand who these people are and where these organizations are coming from.'
The video surfaced as President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to help restore order. Following Orellana's arrest, the Department of Homeland Security is also stepping up its efforts to address the unrest.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Post, 'Secretary Noem's message to the LA rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down.' She added, 'ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
33 minutes ago
- NDTV
Ahead Of Alaska Summit, Trump Says Putin, Zelensky "Will Make Peace"
Washington: Ahead of his Friday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Putin is now ready to pursue peace. The summit is scheduled for August 15 at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson in Alaska. "I think President Putin will make peace and President Zelensky will make peace," Trump told reporters. Asked if the US is prepared to offer Putin access to rare minerals as an incentive to end the war, Trump replied, "We're going to see what happens with our meeting. We have a big meeting. It's going to be, I think, very important for Russia, and it's going to be very important for us and important for us only that we're going to save a lot of lives." "But what I'm doing this for is to save thousands of soldiers a week," he added. Looking beyond the Alaska talks, Trump outlined plans for a follow-up meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, possibly joined by European leaders. He called that session potentially more important than the first. "We have a meeting with President Putin tomorrow. I think it's gonna be a good meeting, but the more important meeting will be the second meeting that we're having. We're gonna have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelenskyy, me, and maybe we'll bring some of the European leaders along, maybe not," he said. "We're going to see what happens. And I think President Putin will make peace. I think President Zelensky will make peace. We'll see if they can get along. And if they can, it'll be great," he added. Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as "Biden's war," Trump said, "It would have never happened if I were president. This war would have never occurred under my administration. But now, millions of people have been killed." "And I'm there for one reason: to see if I can solve. This was Biden's war. This is in my war. I want to see if I can stop the killing," he added. Earlier, Trump said he would know "in the first two minutes" whether a deal can be struck. He also expressed optimism about the possibility of normal trade between the two countries. When asked if he sees a time when there could be normal trade between the US and Russia, Trump said, "I do. Russia has a very valuable piece of land. If Vladimir Putin would go toward business instead of toward war, you know, it's a warring nation. That's what they do. They fight a lot of wars. A friend of mine said Russia is tough because they just keep on fighting." "We're going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin. And at the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made," he added.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Manhattan ICE facility flooded with envelopes containing white powder; here's what happened
The building at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan was evacuated Thursday after reports of suspicious white powder being found. Mayor Eric Adams shared that no injuries have been reported at the time at 26 Federal Plaza, and teams are working to ensure the safety of everyone. (X/@kazdaughtry) Kaz Daughtry, NYC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, said on X 'Our teams and federal partners are investigating an incident at 26 Federal Plaza. I have personally briefed @nycmayor Adams and The Deputy Mayor for Administration Camille Joseph Varlack in regard to the circumstances.' What's happening at 26 Federal Plaza NYC Mayor Eric Adams shared further updates on what's unfurling. He wrote on X 'New Yorkers, I have been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza.' Envelopes containing white powder have been discovered there, the mayor shared, adding that there have been no injuries reported at this time. Also Read | Who is Deon Lewis? Green card holder detained by ICE begs for deportation 'The investigation is ongoing. Expect increased presence and temporary closures. Please avoid the area and follow official channels for verified updates,' Daughtry added. Adams also said that test results on the contents of the envelope are awaited and federal agencies are on it. The New York Fire Department's hazmat teams are at the site to ensure the safety of everyone inside and outside the building. What is at 26 Federal Plaza? The building at 26 Federal Plaza is home to the Department of Homeland Security, among other agencies. It also houses detention facilities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A couple of days back, a federal judge had ordered the Trump administration to 'immediately improve conditions' at the holding facility there. ICE was told to limit capacity, ensure cleanliness, and provide sleeping mats for the rooms at 26 Federal Plaza. Detainees kept there had complained of not having soap, toothbrushes or other hygienic products, and said they were fed inedible 'slop', and had to endure the 'horrific stench' of sweat, feces, and urine, as per court filings. The building at 26 Federal Plaza, which houses FBI's New York field office and the immigration court has become the epicenter of President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. (With AP inputs)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Breaking news live updates, August 15: Police chief orders more cooperation with immigration agents as federal activity takes root in DC
01:37 (IST) Aug 15 The Washington, D.C., police chief stepped up cooperation between her officers and federal immigration officials as President Donald Trump's law enforcement takeover of the nation's capital took root Thursday. National Guard troops watched over some of the world's most renowned landmarks and Humvees took up position in front of the busy main train station. The police chief's order establishes that Metropolitan Police Department officers may now share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody — such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint. MPD officers may also provide 'transportation for federal immigration employees and detained subject,' the order states. The changes, which raise collaboration between the two forces in notable ways, erodes the district's long-standing policy against cooperating with civil immigration enforcement. They are effective immediately. Mayor Muriel Bowser, walking a tightrope between the Republican White House and the constituency of her largely Democratic city, was out of town Thursday for a family commitment in Martha's Vineyard but would be back Friday, her office said. In a city tense from days of ramp-up toward federal law enforcement intervention, volunteers helped homeless people leave long-standing encampments — to where, exactly, was often unclear. Trump told reporters that he was pleased at how the operation — and, now, its direct link with his immigration-control efforts — was unfolding. 'That's a very positive thing, I have heard that just happened,' Trump said of Police Chief Pamela Smith's order. 'That's a great step. That's a great step if they're doing that." A boost in police activity, federal and otherwise For an already wary Washington, Thursday marked a notable — and highly visible — uptick in presence from the previous two days. The visibility of federal forces around the city, including in many high-traffic areas, was striking to residents going about their lives. Trump has the power to take over federal law enforcement for 30 days before his actions must be reviewed by Congress, though he has said he'll re-evaluate as that deadline approaches. The response before Thursday had been gradual and, by all appearances, low key. But on Wednesday night, officers set up a checkpoint in one of D.C.'s popular nightlife areas, drawing protests. The White House said 45 arrests were made Wednesday night, with 29 people arrested for living in the country illegally; other arrests included for distribution or possession of drugs, carrying a concealed weapon and assaulting a federal officer. Troops were stationed outside the Union Station transportation hub as the 800 Guard members who have been activated by Trump start in on missions that include monument security, community safety patrols and beautification efforts, the Pentagon said. 'They will remain until law and order has been restored in the District as determined by the president, standing as the gatekeepers of our great nation's capital,' Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said. 'The National Guard is uniquely qualified for this mission as a community-based force with strong local ties and disciplined training.' Wilson said the troops won't be armed and declined to give more details on what the safety patrols or beautification efforts would entail or how many Guard members have already been sent out on the streets. National Guard Major Micah Maxwell said troops will assist law enforcement in a variety of roles, including traffic control posts and crowd control. The Guard members have been trained in de-escalation tactics and crowd control equipment, Maxwell said. The White House said Thursday that Guard members aren't making arrests but are 'protecting federal assets, providing a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deterring violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence.' Although the current deployment is taking place under unprecedented circumstances, National Guard troops are a semi-regular presence in D.C., typically being used during mass public events like the annual July 4 celebration. They have regularly been used in the past for crowd control in and around Metro stations. Trump on Thursday denied that the federal law enforcement officials he sent into Washington's streets to fight crime have been diverted from priority assignments like counterterrorism. Asked if he was concerned about that, Trump said he's using a 'very small force' of soldiers and that city police are now allowed to do their job properly amidst his security lockdown. For homeless residents, an uncertain time is at hand Meanwhile, about a dozen homeless residents in Washington packed up their belongings with help from volunteers from charitable groups and staffers from some city agencies. Items largely were not forcibly thrown out by law enforcement, but a garbage truck idled nearby. Several protesters held signs close by, some critical of the Trump administration. Once the residents had left, a construction vehicle from a city agency cleared through the remains of the tents. The departures were voluntary, but they came in response to a clear threat from the Trump administration. Advocates expect law enforcement officers to fan out across D.C. in the coming days to forcibly take down any remaining homeless encampments. In Washington Circle, which still contains a few tents, city workers put up signs announcing 'general cleanup of this public space' starting at 10 a.m. Monday. For two days, small groups of federal officers have been visible in scattered parts of the city. But more were present in high-profile locations Wednesday night, and troops were expected to start doing more missions Thursday. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations have patrolled the popular U Street corridor, while Drug Enforcement Administration officers were seen on the National Mall, with Guard members parked nearby. DEA agents also joined MPD officers on patrol in the Navy Yard neighborhood, while FBI agents stood along the heavily trafficked Massachusetts Avenue.
