Alejandro Orellana, an East L.A. activist facing federal charges for allegedly passing out masks and water to demonstrators at a recent protest, pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment Thursday morning in downtown L.A.
Orellana, a longtime member of the Boyle Heights-based grassroots organization Centro CSO, is charged with conspiracy to commit civil disorder and aiding and abetting civil disorder. Each charge carries a maximum five-year sentence in federal prison.
Wearing black slacks and a gray shirt, Orellana appeared at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown L.A., accompanied by his lawyer, Public Defender Shannon Coit. Family members and friends packed the courtroom, sitting quietly in solidarity with Orellana.
Allegations include distributing protective gear during unrest
The charges against Orellana, 29, stem from a June 9 protest in downtown L.A.
According to the criminal complaint filed with the court by FBI agent Rene Persaud, Orellana and two “unindicted co-conspirators” distributed Uvex brand Bionic Face Shields to people “dressed similarly to those engaged in violence and/or vandalism that were later encountered by local law enforcement.”
The indictment states that Orellana and his co-conspirators’ alleged actions took place after police had declared an unlawful assembly that afternoon.
Uvex bionic face shields are designed for protection against chemical splashes and high-impact flying debris. The masks could have been used to help demonstrators avoid personal injury during the demonstrations, where LAPD officers were seen firing less-lethal rounds at protesters, journalists and bystanders alike.
Protests and rallies have been organized across greater Los Angeles in recent weeks in response to recent ICE raids in the Los Angeles region. While the protests have been mostly peaceful, some altercations between protesters and federal agents and local law enforcement have resulted in dozens of injuries and arrests.
FBI raid, arrest and release followed days after protest
On the morning of June 12, FBI agents conducted a raid at Orellana’s family home, forcibly entered the property and arrested Orellana.
Speaking to the press that day, U.S. Attorney Bilal “Bill” Essayli said his office has “made it a huge priority to try to identify, locate and arrest those who are involved in organizing, supporting, funding or facilitating these riots that are going on.”
Orellana was released on $5,000 bail on June 13.
On Wednesday, a Federal Grand Jury formally indicted Orellana. According to Centro CSO member Carlos Montes, Orellana had never been previously arrested. Boyle Heights Beat has not been able to independently verify that fact.
Centro CSO members rally outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in solidarity with Alejandro Orellana on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Photo by Andrew Lopez/Boyle Heights Beat.
Activist group rallies in support, citing Orellana’s advocacy record
Members of Centro CSO held a press conference and rally outside the Edward Roybal Federal Courthouse on Thursday afternoon. Neither Orellana nor his attorney were present.
Orellana has a long history of activism, according to several Centro CSO members, and is known to be a vocal advocate for immigrant rights and workers’ rights.
According to reporting from the activist-led publication Fight Back! News, protests in solidarity with Orellana have bubbled up around the country, including in Chicago and Minneapolis.
Orellana has a pretrial conference date of Aug. 7, and his jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 26.