A California man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after admitting he took part in a violent confrontation with police officers during last year's anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. Ismael Vega, 42, from the Westlake neighbourhood of LA, pleaded guilty to targeting law enforcement officers who were caught up in the unrest, and a federal judge handed down the sentence on Monday. The case is being highlighted as an example of prosecutors pursuing federal charges against individuals accused of violence during the protests.

Vega was sentenced to 37 months in prison and also ordered to pay restitution reported at just over $253,000. The riots erupted in Los Angeles in 2025 in response to immigration enforcement operations by ICE, with clashes breaking out between demonstrators and police, including California Highway Patrol officers, in various parts of the city.