Deputy U.S. Marshal and TikTok Streamer Injured in South Los Angeles Immigration Operation

A deputy U.S. marshal and TikTok streamer Carlitos Ricardo Parias were injured during an immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles on Tuesday morning. Parias, 44, known online as "Richard LA," was charged with assaulting a federal officer after allegedly ramming his vehicle into law enforcement vehicles during the arrest attempt.

The incident occurred around 8:52 a.m. near East 20th Street and Washington Boulevard. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, assisted by U.S. Marshals, were conducting a targeted enforcement traffic stop when Parias attempted to evade arrest by ramming his car into the agents' vehicles. Fearing for their safety, an ICE agent opened fire, striking Parias in the elbow. A deputy U.S. marshal was also injured by a ricochet bullet. Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.

Parias is a Mexican national residing in the U.S. without legal authorization. He is known for documenting police and immigration enforcement activities on TikTok, where he has over 340,000 followers. In August, Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price's office recognized Parias for his commitment to keeping the South Los Angeles community informed.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that Parias had previously avoided capture by immigration authorities and escalated the situation by refusing to comply with agents' orders. Parias' attorney, Carlos Jurado, described his client as a pacifist and expressed skepticism about the authorities' account of the incident.

The FBI's Evidence Response Team is assisting with the investigation, working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Homeland Security. The Los Angeles Police Department is also supporting the probe by providing perimeter traffic control.