A homeless man accused of attempting to ignite fires near a Los Angeles wildfire has been identified as 36-year-old Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, a Mexican national in the U.S. illegally.

The incident unfolded near the Kenneth Fire, which burned over 1,050 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties before being fully contained on Sunday.

Sierra-Leyva was tackled and restrained by residents of Woodland Hills after he was allegedly seen using what appeared to be a makeshift flamethrower to set old Christmas trees and debris on fire.

Witnesses detained him with zip ties and rope until the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrived. Video footage of the confrontation shows residents surrounding the suspect, with one shouting, “Put it down!”

According to LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi, while detectives are investigating the case as a possible arson, there was insufficient evidence at the time of arrest to charge Sierra-Leyva with arson.

Instead, he was booked for a felony probation violation, though authorities have not disclosed details of his prior conviction.

Sierra-Leyva’s immigration status has raised concerns among law enforcement officials. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed he is in the country illegally and plans to issue a detainer request.

However, due to California’s sanctuary state laws, local authorities are unlikely to honor the request.

California’s sanctuary policies, enacted in 2017, limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

These policies were further reinforced by a Los Angeles City Council ordinance passed in November, prohibiting the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Law enforcement sources expressed frustration, stating that the lack of collaboration between local and federal agencies has allowed individuals with extensive criminal histories to remain in the U.S.

Court records reveal Sierra-Leyva has a lengthy criminal history in Los Angeles County, including a 2023 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. Over the years, he has spent more than two years in jail for various offenses. It remains unclear where and when he entered the United States.

The Kenneth Fire, which erupted last Thursday, consumed over 1,050 acres across two counties before being fully contained.

The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, and it is not yet confirmed whether Sierra-Leyva’s actions contributed to its spread.

Residents who apprehended Sierra-Leyva expressed their alarm at the situation. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties and rope, and we were able to perform a citizen’s arrest,” said a witness identified as Grinshpun.

Local authorities, including the LAPD’s Major Crimes Squad, are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Anyone with additional information about the Kenneth Fire or the suspect’s activities is urged to contact the LAPD or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).