Federal Stop Leads to Exchange of Gunfire
An immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles turned violent on Tuesday when shots were fired, wounding both a deputy U.S. marshal and an undocumented man. The Department of Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, working with the U.S. Marshals Service, attempted to stop a vehicle tied to an immigration case. According to officials, the driver tried to flee and crashed into federal vehicles, prompting officers to open fire. The man was hit in the arm, while a marshal suffered a hand injury caused by a ricocheted bullet.
Suspect Hospitalized and Facing Charges
Authorities identified the injured suspect as 44-year-old Carlitos Ricardo Parias. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remains under federal custody. Parias is expected to face multiple charges, including assaulting a law enforcement officer. The wounded marshal also received medical care and is recovering. Residents nearby reported hearing several gunshots before law enforcement flooded the neighborhood and cordoned off the area for investigation.
Officials Pledge Full Review of Incident
Homeland Security officials said the episode reflects rising risks during immigration enforcement actions, citing an uptick in assaults on federal officers nationwide. The agency confirmed that an internal review has been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Immigrant-rights advocates have called for greater accountability and transparency, pressing for the release of detailed findings once the investigation concludes.
