A TikTok creator and a U.S. marshal sustained injuries during an immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to officials. The incident occurred when Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a 44-year-old Mexican national accused of being in the U.S. illegally, allegedly rammed his vehicle into law enforcement cars while attempting to evade arrest. Officers fired shots, striking Parias in the elbow, while a ricochet bullet injured a marshal in the hand. Both individuals were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Parias, known for documenting ICE activities in Los Angeles on social media, has been charged with assault on a federal officer. He was previously recognized by a city councilman for his efforts to keep the community informed and protected. His court hearing, initially scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed. Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokeswoman, linked the incident to the rhetoric of sanctuary politicians and activists, claiming a significant rise in threats against law enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Parias had previously evaded capture and was the subject of an administrative immigration arrest warrant. During the operation, agents boxed in Parias’ vehicle, but he allegedly ignored commands to surrender, striking two law enforcement cars. LA City Councilman Curren Price expressed solidarity with Parias, calling him a pillar of the community. This incident occurs amid increased ICE raids under the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigration, which has sparked protests and backlash in Southern California, home to an estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants.
