LOS ANGELES, CALIF – FOX News Bill Melugin is reporting a man identified as Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, is in custody following a viral incident near the Kenneth Fire in West Hills. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sources, Sierra-Leyva was subdued by residents and arrested by police while allegedly carrying a blowtorch in the area.
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BREAKING: The man arrested with a blowtorch near the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills of California is an illegal immigrant from Mexico and ICE has placed a detainer request on him, according to @BillMelugin_ .
Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva was NOT charged with arson and is “in… pic.twitter.com/6LEcsPrqJf
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 13, 2025
Authorities have confirmed that Sierra-Leyva has not been charged with arson. He is currently being held on a probation violation as multiple agencies continue interviewing him. ICE officials plan to file a detainer request with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. However, due to California’s Sanctuary State law, the detainer is unlikely to be honored.
Sierra-Leyva is expected to appear in court tomorrow as investigations continue. No charges related to arson have been filed at this time.
