LA TikToker Who Films ICE Raids Shot And Arrested During Immigration Operation

A TikTok influencer, known for live streaming immigration raids, and a U.S. Marshal were both injured by gunfire during an ICE operation on Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleged that TikToker Carlitos Ricardo Parias, 44, used his car to assault federal agents attempting to arrest him in South Los Angeles.

The incident unfolded Tuesday morning when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) set up surveillance on a block in the South-Central area to detain Parias on an immigration arrest warrant.

According to an affidavit, agents blocked the road with a vehicle after seeing Parias leave a home and get into a gray Toyota Camry.

Parias then tried to reverse but was boxed in by two other law enforcement vehicles, allegedly ignoring commands to exit the car and hitting the vehicles by driving back and forth.

An ICE agent then attempted to break the car window, allegedly making Parias accelerate “more aggressively” and causing large plumes of smoke to surround the vehicle.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleged that the rear of the car began to fishtail and “caused the agents to fear that Parias might lose control of the Camry and hit them.”

Debris, thought to be from rubber being shed from the tires, reportedly flew into the air and struck agents.

A federal agent then opened fire, wounding Parias and a deputy marshal, who was struck by a ricochet bullet, both of whom sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

"A vehicle is a deadly weapon,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

“If it is used against federal agents, not only will you face years in federal prison, but you also face the possibility of deadly force being used against you.

“We will continue to use every tool in our legal arsenal to protect our agents enforcing immigration laws enacted by Congress.”

Video footage obtained by the Los Angeles Times shows a large amount of smoke coming from the vehicle as an engine can be heard revving.

One agent can be heard shouting, “Shoot him with a pepper ball” before 11 shots ring out in rapid succession.

Footage of the aftermath shows federal agents pulling Parias from the car and detaining him as he can be heard shouting in pain.

Firefighters can then be seen approaching him to provide first aid.

Parias has over 134 thousand followers on his TikTok account, Richard LA, where he regularly films ICE agents carrying out raids and arrests across L.A.

He was recently given an award for his “unwavering commitment to keeping the South LA community informed, empowered and protected” from the office of City Council member Curren Price.

In a statement on social media after his arrest, Price said his team was “deeply saddened” by the shooting and detainment of Parias.

Federal authorities allege that Price was a Mexican national living in the U.S. illegally.

“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 said.

“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.

“His recent recognition by our Deputy Chief of Staff, Jose Ugarte, is a testament to the profound impact he has made in District 9 and beyond. We stand in solidarity with Richard and his family during this difficult time.”

Parias has been charged with using his car to assault federal agents and remained in hospital Wednesday.

He will be arraigned at a later date.

If convicted, Parias would face a statutory maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison.