An ICE agent accidentally injured a deputy U.S. marshal during the arrest of Carlitos Ricardo Parias, also known as Richard LA, a videographer known for documenting ICE operations on social media. The incident happened on Tuesday in South Los Angeles during a traffic stop.
In an official statement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as “a targeted enforcement traffic stop.” She added that the Mexican national in his forties “had previously escaped from custody” and “attempted to evade arrest yet again.” McLaughlin said Parias was pulled over using “standard law enforcement procedure.”
That account is disputed by acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who, according to The New Republic, said agents had “boxed him in” during the stop, a tactic he claims is not standard for a traffic stop.
According to an affidavit cited in press reports, Parias allegedly refused to comply. He struck two law-enforcement vehicles and then “accelerated aggressively.” The affidavit says the spinning wheels of his Toyota Camry produced smoke and debris. Essayli shared on X a photo of the stop showing a white cloud beside the car. An eyewitness said officers fired tear gas, which could also explain the smoke, The New Republic reported.
McLaughlin said officers “followed their training and fired defensive shots” when Parias “weaponized his vehicle and began ramming the law enforcement vehicle in an attempt to flee.” CNN, citing a law-enforcement source, reported that an ICE officer confronted Parias at the driver’s door and used his weapon to smash the window. The gun discharged as the officer tried to grab the driver, striking Parias in the elbow. It also injured a deputy marshal in the hand by ricochet. McLaughlin’s statement did not mention this specific interaction.
Authorities said both injured individuals are expected to recover. Parias has been charged with assault on a federal officer. His lawyer, Carlos Jurado, told KCAL/KCBS that his client is “a very pacifist man.” He added, “He’s very calm. A lot of the police officers here know him. They know that he’s very respectful.”
Officials agree on key facts, including the location, the targeted nature of the traffic stop, the attempted arrest, and the use of firearms. They disagree on whether standard procedures were followed, the cause of the smoke, and the circumstances of the gunshot.
Beyond this incident, the use of force during immigration arrests remains contentious. The New Republic notes that earlier this month in Chicago, a Border Patrol agent shot a woman five times during a traffic stop. DHS said the driver tried to ram law-enforcement vehicles, while her attorney claimed agents struck her car.
Further internal and court investigations are expected. These will establish a detailed timeline, assess the tactics used, examine ballistics, determine if tear gas was used, review video evidence, and analyze operational reports.
Source: The New Republic.
