3 hours ago
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Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva
, who was detained last week near the
Kenneth Fire
in
Los Angeles
for allegedly attempting to ignite a fire, is reportedly an
illegal immigrant
in the United States.
The footage viral on social media shows LAPD officers detaining Sierra-Leyva. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with photos and debates about his arrest.
A 911 caller had reported a man attempting to ignite a fire in the 21700 block of Ybarra Road in Woodland Hills. Shortly after, Sierra-Leyva was subdued by locals and handed over to the
Los Angeles Police Department
(LAPD). He was reportedly holding a blowtorch at the time.
California fires: LA citizens detain man with blowtorch | LiveNOW from FOX
Who is he?
Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva is an illegal immigrant in the United States. Sources from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) informed Fox News on Sunday that the suspect, identified as Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, is a Mexican national.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Sierra Leyva is in custody for a probation violation. He is being questioned by multiple agencies regarding the fire but has not been formally accused of arson. His court appearance is scheduled for Monday, where further details about the case may emerge, wrote a Fox News reporter on X.
The incident, however, has reignited debates on California's sanctuary policies, as ICE plans to place a detainer request with the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Due to California's sanctuary state law, which limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities, this request is unlikely to be honoured, wrote Bill Melugin.
