Feds Indict Three for Alleged ‘Doxing’ of ICE Agent in Los Angeles
Introduction to the Incident
Three women opposed to President Trump’s intense immigration raids in Los Angeles were indicted Friday on charges of illegally “doxing” a U.S. Customs and Immigration agent, authorities said.
The Indicted Individuals
Ashleigh Brown, Cynthia Raygoza and Sandra Carmona Samane face charges of disclosing the personal information of a federal agent and conspiracy, according to an indictment unsealed late Friday. Brown, who is from Colorado and goes by the nickname “AK,” has been described as one of the founders of “ice_out_ofla” an Instagram page with more than 28,000 followers that plays a role in organizing demonstrations against immigration enforcement, according to the social media page and an email reviewed by The Times.
Details of the Incident
According to the indictment, the three women followed an ICE agent from the federal building on 300 North Los Angeles Street in downtown L.A. to the agent’s residence in Baldwin Park. They live-streamed the entire event, according to the indictment. Once they arrived at the agent’s home, prosecutors allege the women got out and shouted “la migra lives here,” and “ICE lives on your street and you should know,” according to the indictment.
Response from Authorities
“Our brave federal agents put their lives on the line every day to keep our nation safe,” Acting U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli said in a statement. “The conduct of these defendants are deeply offensive to law enforcement officers and their families. If you threaten, dox, or harm in any manner one of our agents or employees, you will face prosecution and prison time.”
Legal Representation and Reactions
An attorney for Samane, 25, of Los Angeles, said she intends to plead not guilty at an arraignment next month and declined further comment. The Federal Public Defender’s Office, which is representing Brown, 38, of Aurora, Colo., did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Court records did not list an attorney for Raygoza, 37, of Riverside.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Footage published to the ice_out_ofla Instagram page seemed to capture Brown’s arrest earlier this week. The video shows a man in green fatigues and body armor saying he has a warrant for her arrest, while reaching through what appears to be the shattered driver’s side window of her car. Brown asks what the warrant is for while the man can be seen holding a collapsible baton. Then the video cuts out. Posts on the Instagram page describe Brown as a “political prisoner.”
Context and Precedent
Federal law enforcement leaders have repeatedly expressed concern about the “doxing” of agents with ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol as residents of Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities continue to protest the Trump administration’s sprawling deportation efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem threatened to prosecute people for publishing agents’ personal information last month in response to fliers in Portland that called for people to collect intel on ICE. But the indictment returned Friday appeared to be the first prosecution related to such tactics.
Ongoing Controversies and Legal Battles
Critics of the Trump administration’s operations have expressed outrage over ICE and CBP agents wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves in public while hunting undocumented immigrants throughout Southern California. Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that forbids federal law enforcement from wearing masks while operating in California. The supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution dictates that federal law takes precedence over state law, leading some legal experts to question whether state officials can actually enforce the legislation.
Conclusion
The indictment of the three women for alleged "doxing" of an ICE agent marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between federal law enforcement and critics of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial to monitor how the case impacts the broader landscape of protests and demonstrations against immigration enforcement.
FAQs
- Q: What is "doxing"?
- A: "Doxing" refers to the act of publicly identifying or revealing previously private personal information about an individual or organization, usually with the intent to harass, intimidate, or punish them.
- Q: What are the charges faced by the three women?
- A: The three women, Ashleigh Brown, Cynthia Raygoza, and Sandra Carmona Samane, face charges of disclosing the personal information of a federal agent and conspiracy.
- Q: What is the significance of the Instagram page "ice_out_ofla"?
- A: The Instagram page "ice_out_ofla" has been involved in organizing demonstrations against immigration enforcement and has a significant following, with over 28,000 followers.
- Q: How have federal law enforcement leaders responded to the "doxing" of agents?
- A: Federal law enforcement leaders have expressed concern and threatened prosecution for those who publish agents’ personal information, citing the need to protect agents and their families from harm.
- Q: What is the legal context regarding federal agents wearing masks during operations in California?
- A: A recently signed bill in California forbids federal law enforcement from wearing masks while operating in the state, although the enforceability of this law is questionable due to the supremacy of federal law over state law.
