A man, identified as an illegal immigrant from Mexico by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sources, was confronted and apprehended by Los Angeles residents after allegedly being seen with a blowtorch near the Kenneth Fire. The incident, captured in a viral video, shows the man, named Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, being tackled to the ground by local residents.
Although he has not been charged with arson, he is currently in custody due to a probation violation. ICE plans to place a detainer request on him to potentially deport him, but this may not be honored due to California's status as a sanctuary state, limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Law enforcement sources have noted that windy conditions can attract individuals with malicious intent, such as serial arsonists. However, as of last week, there is no confirmed connection between arson and the recent fires in the area.
Illegal immigration remains a contentious political issue, with the upcoming Trump administration expected to launch a deportation operation. While some states have expressed willingness to cooperate, others, like California, have enacted sanctuary laws and local measures to resist such efforts.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has indicated a willingness to collaborate on deporting violent criminals, but California presents a unique challenge with its strict sanctuary policies and resistance to ICE cooperation at the local level.
