FBI agents swooped into East Los Angeles to arrest Alejandro Orellana, a member of the radical Brown Berets paramilitary group, for distributing military-grade riot shields to protesters in what appears to be a coordinated effort funded by shadowy immigration coalitions to foment revolution against President Trump’s administration.
Key Takeaways
- Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested by the FBI and charged with “Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders” for distributing military-grade face shields to demonstrators in Los Angeles
- Orellana is allegedly affiliated with the Brown Berets, a radical Chicano nationalist paramilitary organization known for anti-police rhetoric and militant activism
- Investigation reveals connections between Orellana’s groups and covert funding from the South California Immigration Coalition and Silicon Valley Immigration Committee
- Authorities are actively investigating the financial backers orchestrating civil unrest, with U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli leading efforts to identify organizers
- Evidence suggests these radical organizations are deliberately concealing funding sources while preparing for widespread civil disorder against the Trump administration
FBI Targets Paramilitary Connection in Los Angeles Arrest
The FBI arrested Alejandro Theodoro Orellana on charges of “Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders” under federal statute 18 USC 371. The arrest follows viral footage showing Orellana distributing what appeared to be military-grade “Bionic Face Shields” to demonstrators in Downtown Los Angeles on June 9. These shields closely resemble riot control equipment used by law enforcement and military personnel, raising serious questions about the intent behind their distribution and the sources funding such sophisticated equipment for street demonstrators.
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli announced the arrest with a clear message about the ongoing investigation: “ARRESTED: Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested this morning by FBI Los Angeles on an allegation of Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders (18 USC 371) for distributing face shields to suspected rioters on Tuesday. We are moving quickly to identify and arrest those involved in organizing and/or supporting civil disorder in Los Angeles,” Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.
Radical Group Affiliations and Anti-Police Activity
Investigations have revealed Orellana’s ties to both the Brown Berets and Centro CSO, organizations with deeply concerning backgrounds. The Brown Berets are a Chicano nationalist paramilitary group with known anti-police rhetoric and links to far-left revolutionary organizations. Their operatives reportedly operate in several major U.S. cities, working toward radical political objectives under the guise of community activism. Centro CSO, based in East Los Angeles, presents itself as a community organization while harboring connections to the Communist Party and receiving substantial funding from obscured sources.
Local FOX LA reporter Elex Michaelson raised legitimate concerns about the equipment being distributed, noting: “It certainly seems like gear you’d wear if you’re preparing for conflict with police. Who is funding this?,” Elex Michaelson, FOX LA.
Following the Money: Covert Funding Networks Exposed
The investigation has uncovered a complex web of funding connections that deliberately obscure the true financial backers of these radical activities. Centro CSO, which describes itself as “Defending public education and fighting for all oppressed people in Boyle Heights & East LA,” according to Centro CSO.
The money trail leads from Centro CSO to the South California Immigration Coalition (SCIC), which connects to Legalization For All, the organization behind the Silicon Valley Immigration Committee (SVIC). This deliberately complex structure appears designed to shield wealthy donors from public scrutiny while allowing them to fund increasingly radical and potentially violent activities. The sophisticated equipment being distributed suggests substantial financial backing that far exceeds typical grassroots fundraising capabilities.
Preparations for Revolution Against Trump Administration
Evidence suggests these coordinated activities represent preparation for widespread civil disorder aimed at undermining President Trump’s administration. The distribution of military-grade riot gear to street protesters indicates planning for direct confrontations with law enforcement rather than peaceful demonstrations. The FBI’s decisive action in arresting Orellana signals federal authorities’ “growing concerns about these revolutionary preparations and determination to prevent organized violence,” stated Essaylis.
As federal investigations continue, authorities are working to identify the full network of organizers and financial backers behind these concerning developments. U.S. Attorney Essayli’s statement makes clear that this arrest represents just the beginning of a broader effort to disrupt networks organizing civil disorder. Law enforcement agencies appear increasingly focused on following the money to its source and holding accountable those attempting to orchestrate revolutionary activities while hiding behind layers of organizational obfuscation.
