Illegal Immigrant Caught With Blowtorch Near LA Wildfires

A man caught near the devastating Los Angeles wildfires carrying a blowtorch has been identified as Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, an illegal immigrant from Mexico. Sierra-Leyva was restrained by local residents after he was seen walking with a bright yellow blowtorch just miles from where the Kenneth Fire erupted.
Witnesses described how community members acted quickly to prevent potential disaster. “We really banded together as a group,” one resident explained. “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.” Despite the circumstances, authorities initially charged Sierra-Leyva only with a felony probation violation, lacking enough evidence to pursue arson charges.
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
The incident has intensified criticism of California’s Sanctuary State law (SB 54), which restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed plans to place a detainer on Sierra-Leyva but expects it will be ignored due to the state’s sanctuary policies.
https://x.com/SandyNRojo/status/1878842081025946027
https://x.com/medrakemd/status/1878846177208344823
Critics argue that California’s approach to illegal immigration jeopardizes public safety. While fires threaten thousands of homes, state lawmakers have prioritized funding legal services for illegal immigrants. Reports show that California recently allocated $25 million in taxpayer money to protect individuals like Sierra-Leyva from deportation.
https://x.com/ChudManCometh/status/1878843832651178065
The wildfires have already scorched over 40,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and claimed at least 24 lives. Officials warn the death toll may rise as dangerous winds continue to fuel the flames. First responders are working tirelessly to search for missing residents and prevent further destruction.
https://x.com/stalip77/status/1878845403480891621
As Sierra-Leyva awaits his next court appearance, many Californians are demanding accountability. The situation has sparked renewed calls to end sanctuary policies that critics say put the safety of law-abiding citizens at risk. With entire communities on edge, the debate over California’s immigration laws is heating up alongside the wildfires.