ICE Operation Sparks Gunfire in South LA
A routine immigration enforcement effort in South Los Angeles erupted into violence on Tuesday when gunfire broke out, injuring a deputy U.S. marshal and an undocumented man. The Department of Homeland Security reported that the confrontation occurred as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, aided by the U.S. Marshals Service, tried to stop a vehicle connected to an ongoing immigration case. Authorities said the driver attempted to ram federal vehicles, prompting officers to fire their weapons. The man was hit in the arm, while a marshal sustained a hand wound from a deflected bullet.
Driver Named and Facing Federal Charges
Officials identified the injured suspect as 44-year-old Carlitos Ricardo Parias, who was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. He faces federal charges that include assaulting an officer and obstructing justice. The wounded marshal was treated and released later the same day. Neighbors said the shooting brought a heavy law enforcement presence, with several streets closed as investigators examined bullet casings and vehicle damage at the scene.
Homeland Security Launches Internal Review
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to determine whether officers followed proper procedures during the operation. The agency also highlighted what it called a growing rise in assaults against immigration officials nationwide. Immigrant advocacy groups have urged transparency in the review process, calling for body camera footage and other evidence to be made public once the investigation concludes.
