Sources say the homeless man who was tackled and tied with zip ties by onlookers for trying to start a fire with a blowtorch near a Los Angeles wildfire is an illegal immigrant who is protected by California’s sanctuary city. It is said that there is a high possibility that
The suspect is Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a Mexican national who is in the U.S. illegally, sources told the Post.
He was allegedly seen setting fire to old Christmas trees and debris and setting fire to what one resident described as a “flame thrower” shortly after a massive wildfire began Thursday in Woodland.・He was chased and apprehended by Hills residents.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said the suspect was in custody on a felony charge of violation of probation, but did not provide details on his criminal record.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the fire as a possible arson, but Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Dominic Choi said Friday there was not enough evidence immediately to support that charge.
ICE filed a detention request for him three days ago, but federal authorities do not expect the request to be honored due to California’s sanctuary state law, officials said.
“The sanctuary policy put in place by the Los Angeles City Council and Governor (Gavin) Newsom has resulted in a lack of communication between local and federal law enforcement in Los Angeles, resulting in many arrests and ICE There was no report and no follow-up,” a law enforcement official told the Post.
“Many are criminals who have had multiple encounters with local law enforcement for serious crimes,” they added.
California’s sanctuary state law, passed in 2017, guarantees that state resources will not be used to support federal immigration enforcement.
In November, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of city resources and personnel to carry out federal immigration enforcement.
Sierra-Leyva has a lengthy rap sheet in Los Angeles County, with multiple convictions including assault with a deadly weapon in 2023, records show.
In total, he spent more than two years in prison, officials told the Post.
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It is not clear when or where he entered the United States.
A video circulating online shows Sierra Leyva being cornered and restrained by neighbors on the street holding what one resident described as a “flame thrower” while a man yells, “Put it down!” ” he is shown yelling.
Renata Grinspun told KTLA she was in her backyard when she heard a car screeching to a halt and a man yelling that someone was trying to start a fire.
“Several gentlemen surrounded him and forced him to his knees. They got zip ties and rope and we were able to arrest the resident,” Grinshpan said.
LAPD responded and arrested Sierra-Leyva, according to video from the scene. Choi told reporters on Friday that he was referred to the Major Crimes Unit because he was a “possible arson suspect” but was not charged with arson.
The Kenneth Fire burned more than 1,050 acres (1.6 square miles) in three days in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. It was completely contained by Sunday morning.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
