A 44-year-old Mexican national living illegally in the United States is facing federal charges following a violent confrontation with law enforcement in South Los Angeles. The U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California reported that Carlitos Ricardo Parias was involved in a dangerous standoff, during which he rammed police vehicles while resisting arrest during an immigration operation.
Parias, who has gained attention on social media, frequently posts on TikTok under the handle @richardla18. His videos often showcase tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including the documentation of arrests. Although his supporters view him as an activist, critics argue that his actions can incite tension and provoke confrontations with officers.
Remarkably, just months prior, Parias received a “Certificate of Recognition” from the office of Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price for what was described as his anti-ICE journalism.
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, escalating into a shootout that left both Parias and a federal deputy wounded. Parias was shot in the elbow, and a ricochet injured a deputy officer.
Federal Prosecutor Bill Essayli emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “A vehicle can be a deadly weapon,” noting the potential for lengthy prison time for anyone targeting federal agents. He reaffirmed that all necessary measures would be taken to protect officers enforcing immigration laws.
Parias was under surveillance by federal agents who had been searching for him due to outstanding immigration warrants. The confrontation began when agents saw him leave a home and enter a gray Toyota Camry. They quickly moved to block his exit, but Parias attempted to evade them, ramming the police vehicles in a frantic effort to escape.
Refusing to comply with commands to exit the vehicle, Parias drove recklessly, creating a chaotic scene that raised alarms among the officers. As tensions heightened, an agent fired their weapon, resulting in injuries to both Parias and a deputy.
He is due to make his first court appearance at the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Thursday. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in federal prison.
Ongoing investigations are being carried out by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, supported by ICE and other agencies. Given the serious legal circumstances, any potential deportation proceedings would be deferred until after the completion of his criminal case. Various outcomes could arise from this situation, including deportation possibilities following a conviction or case dismissal.
