A federal jury found two women from California and Colorado guilty on March 2 of felony stalking after they followed a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officer to his home and livestreamed the incident on social media.
The case highlights concerns about the safety of federal law enforcement officers amid rising threats and assaults. The verdict underscores efforts by authorities to protect personnel from intimidation or harassment outside their official duties.
Cynthia Raygoza, 38, of Riverside, California, and Ashleigh Brown, 38, of Aurora, Colorado, were each convicted of one count of stalking. According to officials, the women pursued the officer after work hours and broadcast their actions online.
“Stalking and intimidation of our personnel and their families crosses a line,” said ERO Los Angeles acting Field Office Director Andre Quinones. “This verdict sends a clear message that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated. We remain committed to protecting our officers and ensuring their safety both on and off duty.”
Officials noted that ICE officers have experienced an 8,000% increase in death threats and a 1,421% increase in assaults in recent years as anti-ICE rhetoric has escalated among some politicians and activists.
“Justice has been served against two agitators who stalked a federal employee, livestreamed it on social media, and traumatized both the victim and his family,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “Our Constitution protects peaceful protest — not political violence and unlawful intimidation.”
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into this case.
