Homeland Security confirmed Tuesday that a man who sparked interest after being spotted with a blowtorch near one of the California fires is an illegal immigrant with a criminal record.

Juan Manuel Sierra was caught on video being tackled by Los Angeles residents as he carried the torch in a location that news media identified as close to where the Kenneth Fire broke out last week.

He hasn’t been charged in connection with the fires but was arrested on a probation violation, Homeland Security said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Sierra, 33, is Mexican and is in the U.S. illegally.

His criminal record here dates back to November 2016 and includes a 2023 conviction in California for assault with a dangerous weapon.

He served about three months in jail for that offense and was released on probation. That probation was revoked on Monday, according to court records.

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ICE said it now has a deportation detainer request placed, asking that California notify the feds so they can pick up Sierra when he’s supposed to be released on the local charges.

California’s sanctuary policies could complicate those hopes.

• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.