By News Editor 
The “Justice 8” refers to a group of Chicano activists from Southern California who were arrested on December 14, 2023, following a multi-agency investigation into alleged violent incidents during protests in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. The group includes Edin Alex Enamorado, Wendy Lujan, David Chavez, Stephanie Amesquita, Gullit Eder Acevedo, Edwin Peña, Fernando Lopez, and Vanessa Carrasco. They were charged with multiple felonies, including conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.
Authorities allege that the group was involved in violent acts during protests, including a “brutal assault” on a motorist at a Victorville protest in September 2023. However, attorneys for the activists deny the allegations, asserting that the group is being targeted for its activism, particularly their support for street vendors and opposition to police misconduct.
As of June 2025, most members of the Justice 8 have been sentenced and released. Six defendants—Stephanie Amesquita, Vanessa Carrasco, David Chavez, Fernando Lopez, Wendy Lujan, and Edwin Peña—accepted plea deals in June 2024, resulting in convictions on a single felony assault charge. The women were sentenced to probation, while the men received two-year state prison terms but were released on parole with credit for time served.
Gullit Acevedo had all felony charges dismissed and is expected to have his remaining misdemeanor assault charge dropped.
Edin Alex Enamorado remains incarcerated at the High Desert Detention Center. The facility appears to be operated by the Geo group, a for profit prison company that has a publicly traded stock ticker. Enamorado has refused plea deals due to concerns about potential deportation, as he is undocumented. His attorney, Damon Alimouri, is seeking an “immigration-safe” deal with the District Attorney’s office. If unsuccessful, Enamorado is prepared to go to trial. Despite multiple legal motions challenging his detention, including a writ of habeas corpus and appeals to higher courts, Enamorado continues to plead his innocence from jail.
The case has drawn significant attention, with supporters arguing that the activists are being criminalized for exercising their First Amendment rights and advocating for marginalized communities. Protests and petitions have been organized calling for the charges to be dropped and for the activist to be released.