Full Breakdown
Conviction of Anti-ICE Protesters Highlights Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement
2/28/2026, 11:51:38 AM
Stalking Incident and Conviction Details
Cynthia Raygoza, 38, of Riverside, and Ashleigh Brown, 38, of Aurora, Colorado, were found guilty by a Los Angeles federal jury of stalking a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Rogelio Reyes Huitzilin, after they followed him to his Baldwin Park home and livestreamed the event on Instagram. The incident occurred on August 28, 2025, when the women, along with a third defendant, Sandra Samane, followed Huitzilin from the Los Angeles federal detention center. While Samane was acquitted of all charges, Raygoza and Brown were convicted of one count of stalking each, facing up to five years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 8, 2026.
Background and Context
The case is notable as it marks a significant legal action against protesters who have increasingly targeted ICE agents in their demonstrations against the Trump administration's immigration policies. Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have pursued over 100 cases against protesters, with this being the first trial resulting in convictions. The incident reflects a broader trend of escalating tensions and violence against immigration enforcement personnel, with the Department of Homeland Security reporting a 1,000% increase in assaults against ICE officers in recent years.
Key Figures Involved
- Cynthia Raygoza: Convicted protester from Riverside, California.
- Ashleigh Brown: Convicted protester from Aurora, Colorado.
- Rogelio Reyes Huitzilin: The ICE agent targeted in the stalking incident.
- Sandra Samane: Acquitted co-defendant.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “We thank the jury for bringing justice to these agitators who violated the law and endangered the safety of this federal officer and his family.” He emphasized that while peaceful protests are constitutionally protected, political violence and unlawful intimidation are not. The defense argued that the government exaggerated the situation, claiming the women did not know Huitzilin's identity and did not intend to harass him.
Criticism & Opposition
Defense attorneys contended that the stalking charge was unfounded, asserting that the interaction lasted only 90 minutes and did not constitute a pattern of behavior required for such a charge. They argued that Huitzilin initiated the confrontation and that the women did not mention his name during the livestream. Raygoza’s attorney, Gregory Nicolaysen, stated, “This case is far from over,” indicating plans to appeal the conviction.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the prosecution claimed the women endangered Huitzilin's family, Huitzilin himself admitted that no further incidents occurred after the confrontation, and he has not sold his home. Additionally, the doxing charge was dropped due to an error by a Homeland Security investigator, raising questions about the prosecution's handling of the case.
What's Next
The sentencing for Raygoza and Brown is set for June 8, 2026. The outcome of their appeal could have implications for future protests and legal actions against demonstrators targeting federal agents involved in immigration enforcement.
