Documentarian and activist Anthony Orendorff was released from police custody with all charges dropped. After being arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Foothill Division last Thursday while documenting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Pacoima, Orendorff was held over the weekend without bail at the Van Nuys Jail.
Since his arrest, his sister has led the community in days of protests, “actions” and press conferences, demanding Orendorff’s release. Today, his attorneys, family and friends showed up in mass to support Orendorff at the San Fernando Courthouse for his scheduled arraignment.
His case was never heard, but instead dismissed with all charges dropped, his attorneys announced this afternoon to the overjoyed room of supporters.
“It’s bittersweet because I’m out, but there’s a lot of people still in, a lot of people we still got to fight for,” said Orendorff upon his release. “But this is a win for us. This is what power really looks like.”
This is a great relief. Anthony is brilliantly talented and a true gift to his community. If you haven’t seen his tribute to L.A., here’s a link: https://bsky.app/profile/nickknudsenus.bsky.social/post/3ls52yrbgns2c