Case Against LA Immigration Activist Tossed Out by Judge
A case involving an immigration activist from East Los Angeles who came under scrutiny for distributing safety face shields during a protest against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been thrown out by a federal judge. The activist, Alejandro Orellana, aged 29, belongs to Centro CSO, a community organization rooted in Boyle Heights. Orellana’s indictment came in June by a federal grand jury, where he had to face serious charges pertaining to conspiracy and assisting in civil disruption.
However, the occasions took a turn when the U.S. Attorney’s Office requested for the case to be dropped. Acting in response to this, U.S. District Judge Serena Murillo passed a discharge judgment on the suit, effectively dismissing all charges against Orellana. However, the charges were dismissed without prejudice, signifying that they may be brought back at a future date. Furthermore, the court ordered Orellana’s bond to be exonerated.
Despite its pivotal role in the case’s development, the U.S. Attorney’s Office refrained from detailing a specific rationale behind the decision to advocate for the dismissal of charges. Moreover, spokespeople for the office provided no comment on the matter. This has left questions unanswered about the reasons behind the case dismissal at this stage.
In a display of relief and defiance, Alejandro Orellana issued a statement where he asserted, ‘Protecting our community is not a crime.’ Expressing his profound gratitude, he went on to add, ‘I’m thankful for everyone nationwide who rallied to demand the charges against me be dropped. Our victory lies in our cause’s righteousness.’
The charges sprang from an incident in June when Orellana, along with no fewer than two others, reportedly distributed Uvex Bionic face shields and other materials from a pickup truck. Sources detailed that the trio canvassed downtown Los Angeles, notably around a federal building on Los Angeles Street on June 9 where a protest was taking place. These shields are designed for protection against hazards like chemical splashes and airborne debris.
During Orellana’s earliest legal encounter, he was given an order by a magistrate judge. This directive stipulated that he must not approach federal agents or buildings closer than 100 yards, with exceptions merely for court dates and discussions with his lawyer. This order came shortly after his indictment, considerably limiting his mobility.
Centro CSO, the community organization that Orellana is a part of, has voiced its stance on the matter. The organization framed Orellana’s arrest as a manifestation of ‘political repression.’ More specifically, they argue that his detaining was a curtailing of political freedom, arising from his role in activism which was interpreted as challenging to the status quo.