Man Detained with Blowtorch Near Los Angeles Wildfire Identified as Undocumented Immigrant

Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a Mexican national on felony probation, was arrested but not charged with arson as investigators examine his connection to the Kenneth Fire.

Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, was detained by residents near the Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles while allegedly holding a blowtorch.
The suspect is currently in custody for a felony probation violation, though no arson charges have been filed as investigations continue into the fire's cause.
California's sanctuary state law is expected to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests from being honored in this case.
The Kenneth Fire burned over 1,050 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties before being fully contained, though its cause remains under investigation.
Eyewitnesses reported Sierra-Leyva was determined to ignite fires, prompting local residents to intervene and perform a citizen's arrest before police arrived.