A Los Angeles Times investigation reveals that Bill Essayli, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, has been aggressively pursuing felony charges against anti-ICE demonstrators—but grand juries are repeatedly refusing to indict. Essayli was reportedly “irate” and could be heard “screaming” at prosecutors in the federal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles when a grand jury declined to indict one protester targeted for potential felony charges. Despite filing cases against at least 38 protesters, only seven indictments have been secured, with many cases dismissed or downgraded after evidence surfaced contradicting ICE and Border Patrol agents’ sworn statements. Former prosecutors and defense attorneys say the pattern shows agents are “arresting first and asking questions later,” undermining credibility and leaving prosecutors frustrated and empty‑handed.
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