Deputy Marshal and TikTok Influencer Shot During ICE Operation in Los Angeles
In a dramatic incident in Los Angeles, a federal marshal and a Mexican national known for his TikTok presence were injured during an immigration enforcement operation. The events unfolded around 8:52 a.m. on Tuesday, when officers from the Department of Homeland Security initiated a targeted traffic stop in the 400 block of East 20th Street. The individual at the center of this incident was identified as 44-year-old Carlitos Ricardo Parias, who has a substantial following on TikTok, where he frequently documents encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Parias, residing in South Los Angeles, has garnered significant attention on social media for his content about immigration enforcement. His TikTok account, Richard LA, had amassed over 133,000 followers as of Wednesday morning, reflecting his ability to draw public interest in immigration-related topics.
During the operation, law enforcement attempted to box in Parias’s vehicle to facilitate the arrest. However, according to acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Parias reversed and advanced his Toyota Camry, colliding with two law enforcement vehicles in the process. In a tense moment, an agent tried to shatter the car’s driver-side window in an attempt to subdue him, but these efforts proved futile.
As the situation escalated, Parias’s vehicle began to fishtail while he spun its tires. This prompted federal agents to discharge their firearms. Essayli emphasized that a vehicle can be perceived as a deadly weapon, warning that using a vehicle in a menacing manner against federal agents could result in severe legal repercussions, including the potential use of deadly force by officers.
Both Parias and the deputy marshal suffered injuries during the exchange of gunfire. Parias sustained a gunshot wound to his elbow, while the deputy marshal was hit by a ricochet bullet in his hand. They were promptly transported to a local hospital and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
In connection with the incident, Parias now faces charges of assault on a federal officer. The event has raised questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement, public safety, and the risks associated with high-stress operations involving federal agents. The incident remains under investigation as authorities assess the circumstances surrounding the operation and its impact on community relations within the region.
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