LOS ANGELES, CA – Law Enforcement Today previously reported on a suspect who used a “flamethrower” near the Los Angeles fire zones and was arrested for his actions. The suspect, identified as Juan Manuel Sierra-Levya, illegally crossed into the United States at the southern border and is currently in custody due to a probation violation. He has not yet been charged with arson.
According to Fox News, sources with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said that Sierra-Levya is from Mexico. ICE intends to place a detainer request on him, which is a request that ICE be notified on any release so the suspect can be transferred into their custody and potentially deported.
However, ICE does not expect it to be honored as California is a “sanctuary state” that largely limits local and state law enforcement cooperation with the federal agency. According to the New York Post, one law enforcement source said, “The lack of communication between local and federal law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles due to sanctuary policies put in place by LA city council and Governor Newsom, have resulted in many arrests that have been unreported to and followed up by ICE.”
He added, “Many of which are criminals who have numerous encounters with local law enforcement for serious crimes.” California’s sanctuary state law, passed 2017, ensures that no state resources are used to assist federal immigration enforcement. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed an ordinance in November 2024 that prohibits the use of city resources and personnel to carry out federal immigration enforcement.
A Los Angeles law enforcement source previously told Fox News Digital that it’s not uncommon to find people have intentionally set wildfires. The source said, “When you have wind conditions like this, it brings out the serial arsonists, who are sickos.”
By Jenna Curren
