Federal Jury Convicts Three Anti-ICE Influencers for Stalking and Harassment
A federal jury has delivered a guilty verdict against three anti-ICE influencers for stalking an immigration enforcement officer to his California residence and broadcasting the confrontation live on Instagram. This disturbing case underscores the escalating dangers confronting federal law enforcement personnel across the United States.
Details of the Stalking Incident and Livestream
The convicted individuals are Cynthia Raygoza, 38, from Riverside, California; Ashleigh Brown, 38, from Aurora, Colorado; and Sandra Carmona Samane. The trio followed the officer from the Los Angeles ICE field office directly to his home last year. Wearing masks to conceal their identities, they exited their vehicle and proceeded to shout the officer's personal information to his neighbors. During the incident, they also directed racial slurs at the officer's wife while simultaneously livestreaming the entire episode to their online followers.
The Instagram accounts associated with the broadcast—ice_out_ofla, defendmesoamericanculture, and corn_maiden_design—later removed the footage. However, the digital evidence played a crucial role in the prosecution. If sentenced, each woman faces a potential maximum of 10 years in federal prison along with substantial financial penalties.
Official Statements Condemning the Actions
US Attorney Bill Essayli issued a strong statement following the verdict, emphasizing the boundaries of lawful protest. "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," Essayli stated. "Peaceful protests are protected by the Constitution, but political violence and unlawful intimidation are not."
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin from Homeland Security echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader implications. "This verdict sends a clear message," McLaughlin asserted. "Targeting federal officers and their families with intimidation and violence will not be tolerated."
Rising National Threats Against ICE Personnel
This conviction occurs against a backdrop of a nationwide surge in threats directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Homeland Security officials have raised alarms that online tactics such as doxxing—publicly revealing private information—and social media harassment are increasingly translating into tangible, real-world risks for federal employees.
Recent incidents include an anti-ICE gun attack targeting a field office in Dallas, further illustrating the volatile environment. The department warns that the digital age has amplified these threats, making it easier for activists to coordinate and escalate actions beyond protected speech into criminal behavior.
The case serves as a critical precedent, demonstrating that the justice system will hold individuals accountable for crossing the line from protest to persecution. It reinforces the legal protections afforded to law enforcement officers and their families, ensuring that their safety and privacy are upheld even amid heated political debates.
