On Tuesday, a U.S. marshal and a TikTok streamer were shot and injured by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an immigration check in South Los Angeles.
Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated that the event took place during a “targeted enforcement traffic stop” concerning an individual who was illegally in the U.S., had previously escaped custody, and was trying to evade arrest again.
According to Bill Esseri, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, both the deputy and the suspect, identified as Carlitos Ricardo Parias, were injured. Recovery for both individuals is anticipated.
McLaughlin elaborated, stating, “In an effort to ensure public and officer safety, the agents discharged their weapons as per their training.” She noted that Parias was hit in the elbow, while a law enforcement officer sustained a hand injury from a ricochet. Both are currently hospitalized.
In a statement to KTLA, U.S. Marshals indicated, “Deputies were assisting in capturing a suspect connected to illegal immigration.”
“One deputy U.S. marshal suffered non-life-threatening injuries during this immigration investigation, and their condition is stable. This incident is still under investigation,” the sheriffs reported, mentioning that the deputy’s name won’t be disclosed.
Parias, 44, faces one count of assault on a federal employee, with a potential maximum prison sentence of eight years, according to Esseri’s office.
After law enforcement surrounded him in his Toyota Camry, agents approached the vehicle and instructed him to exit. Instead, Parias allegedly drove back and forth, impacting two law enforcement cars.
Esseri’s office added that Parias’ reckless driving resulted in a significant amount of smoke around the Camry, apparently from spinning the wheels.
McLaughlin mentioned that migrants were using their vehicles aggressively, attempting to crash into law enforcement vehicles while trying to escape.
Parias is known for documenting federal immigration activities on TikTok under the username Richard LA, as reported by local news station KCAL-TV. His lawyer, Carlos Jurado, characterized him as a “pacifist.”
“It’s tough to believe everything from DHS,” Jurado told KCAL-TV. “All we know about Richard is that he’s peaceful and calm. A lot of officers around here know him, and he’s very polite. In fact, he was honored by the city of Los Angeles for his contributions to the community.”
