Top DOJ prosecutor in LA urged the public to feed false information to immigrant-rights hotlines

On January 18, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California — a Pam Bondi appointee who previously served in the California State Assembly — posted on X in response to Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), who had alerted constituents to federal immigration enforcement activity in Los Angeles's Fashion District and shared a rapid-response hotline number. Essayli wrote: "A friendly reminder that the public has a First Amendment right to call the number below and provide inaccurate information," adding, "It is unlawful to impede federal agents, but there is no prohibition on impeding radical organizations working to harbor criminal illegal immigrants."

In a follow-up post, Essayli shared a screenshot from the ACLU of Southern California's website listing local rapid-response hotline numbers, including CHIRLA's Immigrant Assistance Hotline, ÓRALE, and Immigrant Defenders Law Center — organizations that community members use to report and get help after ICE stops, detentions, or raids. CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas said on January 19 that the organization's hotline is "under attack," and its focus is supporting families after a loved one is detained, not monitoring ICE agents; CHIRLA's communications director told USA Today the group was already experiencing "an increase in crank calls." Essayli has separately warned that "anyone who attempts to impede our agents will be arrested and charged, including county employees," in response to a Los Angeles County move to create "ICE-Free Zones."