
The man caught on video being detained by citizens near the raging Los Angeles wildfires has been identified as Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, an illegal immigrant from Mexico. He was seen carrying a bright yellow blowtorch in Calabasas, just miles from where the destructive Kenneth Fire started, raising serious concerns about public safety and California’s sanctuary policies.
Concerned residents took matters into their own hands when they spotted Sierra-Leyva acting suspiciously near the wildfire zone. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties, a rope and we were able to do a citizen’s arrest,” a witness explained. The suspect was held until law enforcement arrived. However, due to a lack of immediate evidence, he was only charged with a felony probation violation, not arson.
The man with a blowtorch tackled by neighbors in California amid the wildfires turned out to be an illegal alien from Mexico.
The madness ENDS on January 20. pic.twitter.com/nWA0n6Hi7A
— Scott Adams (@scottadamsshow) January 13, 2025
Every one of the problems was caused by gross incompetence… including the voters who elected gross incompetence into California's govt.
Good grief, even the guy caught with a blowtorch setting a fire, was an illegal alien. Something else that's on Californian incompetence.
— Brian Nunya (@UCBearcat90) January 13, 2025
This incident has reignited the debate over California’s Sanctuary State law (SB 54), which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed they plan to place a detainer on Sierra-Leyva, but officials doubt it will be honored because of California’s sanctuary protections.
Let me guess. Maybe it was the illegal alien out on parole that had a blowtorch and was held for police by concerned citizens, who was then released with no charges.
— Sandy (@SandyNRojo) January 13, 2025
Man Detained With Blowtorch Near Wildfire ID’d As Illegal Immigrant, Not Charged With Arson: Report https://t.co/JR5D5vgoeM
1/These wildfires are as intentional and planned as those on Maui. The globalists and oligarchs of LaLa Land now have brown Third World replacements for— miles e drake (@medrakemd) January 13, 2025
Critics argue that these sanctuary policies put communities at risk by protecting individuals who may pose a danger to public safety. While Californians are facing deadly wildfires, state leaders have prioritized funding legal aid for illegal immigrants. Reports reveal that $25 million in taxpayer money was recently allocated to support immigration legal services, even as wildfires devastate communities.
Ignore the fact that we just arrested a violent illegal migrant who was caught with a blowtorch and starting fires! It's just the wind!!
— ChudMan (@ChudManCometh) January 13, 2025
The fires have already consumed more than 40,000 acres, destroyed over 12,000 structures and claimed at least 24 lives. With strong winds fueling the flames, authorities warn that the destruction could worsen, and the death toll is likely to rise. First responders continue searching for missing residents, while families anxiously wait to return to their homes.
'Not enough evidence' to charge blowtorch-wielding illegal immigrant with arson for LA fire https://t.co/z8L373HEke via @BIZPACReview
— Stan Lipowski (@stalip77) January 13, 2025
Sierra-Leyva’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding California rethink its sanctuary policies. As the state battles deadly fires, the public is questioning whether protecting illegal immigrants is worth the cost of public safety. This incident has intensified calls for reforms that prioritize the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.