FBI agents arrested Alejandro Orellana for distributing military-grade “bionic shield” face masks to anti-ICE protesters, exposing a shadowy network of radical organizations with hidden funding sources and potential revolutionary agendas.
Key Takeaways
- Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested by the FBI on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders for distributing riot gear to protesters in Los Angeles
- Orellana has ties to the Brown Berets, a Chicano nationalist paramilitary group, and Centro CSO, a radical Hispanic organization with communist connections
- Investigations reveal a complex funding network involving the South California Immigration Coalition and Silicon Valley Immigration Committee deliberately concealing financial backing
- Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing those organizing and supporting civil disturbances amid concerns of escalating political violence
- Military-grade “Bionic Face Shields” distributed by Orellana appear specifically designed for confrontations with police
FBI Cracks Down on Riot Gear Distribution
The FBI arrested Alejandro Theodoro Orellana on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders under 18 USC 371 for distributing military-grade “bionic shield” face masks to demonstrators in Los Angeles. The arrest came after footage emerged showing Orellana handing out sophisticated protective gear resembling equipment used by law enforcement and military personnel during civil unrest. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest as part of a broader effort to identify and apprehend individuals involved in organizing or supporting civil disorder in Los Angeles amid increasingly violent anti-ICE protests.
“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,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli
Radical Group Affiliations Exposed
Investigations reveal Orellana’s troubling connections to multiple radical organizations with paramilitary undertones. He is allegedly a member of the Brown Berets, a Chicano nationalist paramilitary group known for its anti-police rhetoric and militant activism. The Brown Berets have established operations in several major U.S. cities and promote revolutionary ideologies. Additionally, Orellana is affiliated with Centro CSO, a radical Hispanic group based in East Los Angeles that advocates for Chicano self-determination while maintaining ties to extremist political movements.
“It certainly seems like gear you’d wear if you’re preparing for conflict with police. Who is funding this?” questioned Elex Michaelson of FOX LA.
Hidden Funding Network Uncovered
The arrest has shed light on an intricate web of concealed financial backing behind these radical groups. Centro CSO, with which Orellana is affiliated, receives substantial funding from the South California Immigration Coalition (SCIC). Further investigation reveals SCIC’s connection to Legalization For All, which organizes the Silicon Valley Immigration Committee (SVIC). These funding relationships are deliberately obscured from public view, likely to prevent scrutiny and backlash from ordinary Americans who would oppose such radical activism.
“Defending public education and fighting for all oppressed people in Boyle Heights & East LA,” claims Centro CSO in their public messaging, while concealing their more radical objectives and funding sources.
Escalating Concerns About Revolutionary Intent
The timing and nature of Orellana’s activities have raised serious concerns about potential revolutionary intentions among these radical groups. On June 9, footage captured Orellana distributing “Bionic Face Shields” in Downtown Los Angeles, equipment specifically designed for confrontations with law enforcement. Security experts note these shields resemble tactical gear used by riot control units, suggesting preparation for violent encounters rather than peaceful protest. The deliberate distribution of such equipment indicates a troubling escalation in tactics by these organizations.
Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing additional suspects involved in organizing and supporting these disturbances. The FBI’s investigation continues to uncover connections between various radical organizations, their funding sources, and their operational strategies. President Trump’s administration has prioritized addressing these threats to public safety and civil order, directing federal resources toward identifying the full scope of this network and its financial backers before further violence erupts in American cities.
Federal Response Intensifies
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has made it clear that federal authorities are “moving quickly to identify and arrest those involved in organizing and/or supporting civil disorder in Los Angeles.” The arrest of Orellana represents just the beginning of a broader crackdown on individuals and organizations facilitating civil unrest. With the distribution of tactical equipment like the “Bionic Face Shields,” federal investigators are particularly concerned about the potential for escalating violence in protests that have already seen significant clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
As the investigation progresses, authorities continue to follow the money trail behind these radical groups, working to expose the secretive network of donors enabling their activities. The revelation of connections between seemingly separate organizations highlights the sophisticated nature of this coordinated effort to foment civil unrest. Americans concerned about public safety and the rule of law await further arrests and disclosures as federal authorities work to dismantle this dangerous network before more violence erupts in our communities.
