By Harshit, Los Angeles, | October 22, 2025
A federal marshal and an undocumented immigrant were injured Tuesday during an immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles, authorities said. The incident unfolded when federal agents attempted to arrest 44-year-old Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a Mexican national and popular TikTok content creator, leading to a confrontation that left both individuals hospitalized.
Details of the Shooting
According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Parias was shot in the elbow, while a law enforcement officer sustained a hand injury from a ricocheted bullet. Both were reported to be in stable condition and are expected to recover, officials said.
Parias, who runs the TikTok account Richard LA with over 133,000 followers, frequently documents Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, including traffic stops and enforcement operations in the Los Angeles area.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California confirmed that Parias has been charged with assault on a federal officer. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on Thursday. Prosecutors said an administrative immigration arrest warrant had been previously issued for Parias.
Sequence of Events
Federal prosecutors detailed the events leading to the shooting in an affidavit. Agents had set up surveillance in South Los Angeles to monitor Parias after leaving his home in a gray Toyota Camry. When officers boxed in his car and ordered him to exit, Parias allegedly ignored commands, moving the vehicle forward and backward and striking two law enforcement vehicles.
“All these factors, including the large amount of smoke produced by the spinning of the Camry’s tires, caused the agents on scene to fear that Parias would successfully dislodge the Camry and injure them,” the US attorney’s office said.
In response to the perceived threat, federal agents discharged their weapons. DHS stated, “Fearing for the safety of the public and law enforcement, our officers followed their training and fired defensive shots.”
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
The incident is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, with assistance from ICE, the US Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
A DHS spokesperson emphasized that the agents acted according to established protocols and training when confronting a potentially dangerous situation involving a moving vehicle.
Community Reactions and Public Support
Parias has garnered support from members of the local community, with Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price describing him as “a pillar of our community, a fearless citizen journalist whose authentic storytelling has consistently uplifted the unheard voices of South-Central Los Angeles.”
Carlos Jurado, Parias’ attorney, told CNN affiliate KCAL/KCBS that Parias was filming DHS activity outside his home when the incident occurred. “Somehow, in the process of him recording, he was impacted by a bullet in one of his extremities,” Jurado said.
Parias’ attorney emphasized his client’s calm and respectful demeanor, adding that many law enforcement officers in the area are familiar with him and recognize his peaceful approach.
Potential Legal Consequences
If convicted on federal assault charges, Parias faces a statutory maximum of eight years in prison, the US Attorney’s Office said. Prosecutors allege that his actions in attempting to ram law enforcement vehicles during the arrest created a dangerous situation, justifying the use of defensive force by officers.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, where federal operations often intersect with public scrutiny and citizen documentation. Parias’ role as a social media influencer reporting on these operations underscores the increasingly visible intersection of digital media and law enforcement oversight.
As federal authorities continue to investigate, the community and legal observers are closely monitoring the case, which raises questions about the use of force in immigration enforcement, public safety, and the rights of individuals documenting government actions.