Deputy U.S. Marshal, TikTok influencer shot during LA immigration operation
A TikTok influencer who has been documenting immigration enforcement activity has been charged with assaulting a federal officer during an operation in South Los Angeles on Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Carlitos Ricardo Parias, 44, who goes by Richard LA on social media, allegedly rammed his car into federal agents after they "boxed him in and ordered him to submit to arrest," according to Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
"Parias, who had previously avoided capture by immigration authorities, refused to comply with agents' orders and escalated what could have been a simple arrest into a life-threatening situation," Essayli wrote in a post to X. "Ultimately, an agent opened fire, wounding Parias and a deputy U.S. marshal, who was hit with a ricochet bullet."
Both Parias and the deputy U.S. Marshal are expected to recover, according to Essayli.
Close friends of Parias said he was injured while being placed in custody on June 13, but was ultimately released. They added that he had a vest identifying him as press during the shooting.
As doctors treated Parias' wound, Attorney Carlos Jurado described his client as a "pacifist."
"It's difficult to trust every word that comes from DHS," Jurado said. "What we know about Richard is that he's a pacifist guy. He's very calm. A lot of the police officers here know him. They know he's very respectful. In fact, the city of Los Angeles has awarded him for the work that he does in the community."
In August, Councilmember Curren Price's office awarded Parias, who has 132,500 followers on TikTok, with a Certificate of Recognition for his "unwavering commitment to keeping the South Los Angeles community informed, empowered and protected."
"Richard is a pillar of our community, a fearless citizen journalist whose authentic storytelling has consistently uplifted the unheard voices of South Central Los Angeles," Price wrote in an Instagram post following the shooting. "His unfiltered portrayal of real life has fostered a loyal following, both on TikTok and throughout our City. Richard LA exemplifies what it means to serve your community with courage and heart."
Essayli wrote on X that Parias will make his initial court appearance on Wednesday. He faces up to eight years in federal prison if convicted as charged.
"He is presumed innocent until proven guilty," Essayli wrote. Vehicles are deadly weapons. Anyone who uses them against federal agents risks arrest, imprisonment, and life-threatening injuries. We will continue to use every tool in our legal arsenal to protect our agents and enforce immigration laws passed by Congress."
