Internet Star and Federal Officer Injured Amid LA Immigration Clash
A prominent internet personality and a federal officer were both wounded during an altercation involving an immigration enforcement mission in Los Angeles.
The Incident
Carlitos Ricardo Parias, an individual known for his frequent documentation of immigration operations on social media platforms, was allegedly involved in an attempt to escape immigration enforcement. It was reported that Parias, who was in the country without proper documentation, used his car to hit law enforcement vehicles in an attempt to evade apprehension.
In response, officers discharged their weapons, hitting Parias in the elbow. A federal officer was also injured when a bullet ricocheted and struck his hand. Both Parias and the officer were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
The Charges
Following the incident, Parias, a 44-year-old native of Mexico, was charged with assaulting a federal officer. Known for his work in capturing the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in southern Los Angeles, Parias was previously acknowledged by a city councilman for his dedication in keeping the community "informed, empowered, and safe".
Parias was due to appear in court, but the hearing has been delayed to a future, yet unspecified, date.
The Fallout
A representative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that this incident underlines the consequences of certain public narratives and behaviors that encourage individuals without legal immigration status to resist arrest. She mentioned that law enforcement officers are experiencing an over 1000% increase in threats.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Parias had previously been a target of an administrative immigration arrest warrant and had managed to evade capture in the past.
The Standoff
On the day of the incident, agents spotted Parias leaving his house and driving down the street in a grey sedan. In an attempt to prevent him from escaping, law enforcement officers used their vehicles to surround his car. Federal agents then instructed Parias to exit his vehicle and surrender but he did not comply.
Parias reportedly drove his car forward and backward, impacting two of the law enforcement vehicles. His car's tires spun, producing smoke and flinging debris that hit some of the agents. Fearing for their safety, officers broke the driver's side window of Parias' car in an attempt to restrain him.
"A vehicle can be a lethal weapon," said the acting U.S. Attorney.
Community Response
City Councilman Curren Price, who had previously praised Parias for his service to the community, expressed his deep sadness over the incident. He showed his support for Parias and his family, describing him as a crucial figure in the community and a courageous citizen journalist.
Amid the recent government's strict stance on undocumented immigration, immigration enforcement operations have escalated. Southern California is home to an estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants, with many living in fear and forced into hiding.
Immigration operations in Los Angeles have sparked controversy and protests over the summer. In response, the President has deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles and other cities to quell these protests.