(SOUTH LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) Federal agents arrested TikTok personality Carlitos Ricardo Parias, known online as “Richard LA,” during an immigration operation in South Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after he allegedly rammed his car into law enforcement vehicles while officers tried to take him into custody on an administrative immigration warrant. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent opened fire during the confrontation, wounding Parias in the arm or elbow, and a deputy U.S. marshal was hit by a ricochet bullet. Authorities said both are expected to recover.
What happened and where
The incident unfolded around 8:45 a.m. on October 21 in the 400 block of East 20th Street, a dense stretch of industrial and residential buildings south of downtown.
Officials say:
– Agents from ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service had set up surveillance to arrest Parias, a 44-year-old undocumented immigrant with a large social media following.
– They boxed in his vehicle and ordered him to step out.
– Agents say he tried to escape, striking their vehicles and prompting fears for their safety, after which an agent fired.
Parias was later booked on a federal charge of assault on a federal officer, a felony that could carry up to eight years in prison if convicted. He’s in federal custody and was scheduled for an initial court appearance and a bond hearing on October 22, 2025.
The case is now with federal prosecutors. Investigators are reviewing the scene, interviewing witnesses, and collecting video from nearby cameras — including possible bystander recordings.
Legal status of the operation
Authorities said Parias had previously evaded arrest and remained a target for immigration enforcement because of his undocumented status and prior escape from custody.
Key points about the operation:
– The arrest was administrative, meaning it was carried out based on pending federal immigration proceedings rather than a criminal warrant signed by a judge.
– ICE often uses administrative arrest warrants in civil immigration cases.
– For background on immigration enforcement authority and field operations, see: ICE ERO – Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Charges, investigation, and next steps
- Parias faces a federal felony charge for assault on a federal officer (up to 8 years if convicted).
- Federal investigators will gather evidence including:
- Agent statements
- Photographs of vehicle damage
- Medical records
- Body camera, surveillance, and bystander video
- The defense may challenge the government’s version of events and raise issues about:
- The basis for the operation
- Use of force
- Scope of civil enforcement
Whether driving into the vehicles constitutes assault on a federal officer will be decided in court, where prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Attorney and community response
Parias’s attorney said he was frustrated that he could not meet with his client quickly after the shooting and arrest, and that he had not received official paperwork detailing all allegations by Tuesday night.
Supporters and community reactions:
– Supporters gathered outside the hospital where Parias received treatment, holding phones and hoping for updates about his condition.
– Friends described him as a local figure who often filmed law enforcement activity and posted short clips of police and ICE interactions across South Los Angeles.
– The attorney’s complaint about access and documents echoed common worries from families who feel shut out after sudden arrests.
Investigators from federal and local agencies continue to review the shooting, a standard step after any use of force.
Who is “Richard LA” and why this matters
Parias is known to his 130,000-plus followers as “Richard LA.” He built his online presence by livestreaming street scenes — traffic stops, immigration raids, and late-night patrols — sometimes narrating in real time while viewers watched and commented.
- Community advocates say his videos bring attention to enforcement actions many residents rarely see up close.
- Critics say livestreaming can complicate police and immigration operations, draw crowds, and create safety risks.
- The arrest quickly spread across social media, sparking debate about the boundary between documenting public events and interfering with active law enforcement.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases involving social media figures and on-the-street recording often trigger intense public debate, especially when federal enforcement turns confrontational or involves a shooting.
Impact on mixed-status households and safety guidance
For people in mixed-status households, scenes like this go beyond headlines. They worry about daily routines — school pickups, commutes, and drives — that could bring them near enforcement activity.
Advocates encourage basic safety steps:
– Stay calm and keep a safe distance.
– Avoid actions agents may view as interference.
– Lawyers often remind the public that filming in public spaces is generally allowed, but approaching too closely or blocking officers can lead to arrest.
Ongoing review and potential legal outcomes
Officials emphasized the investigation is ongoing and involves both federal and local agencies. Reviews typically examine whether officers followed policy at each step:
– Surveillance
– Approach
– Vehicle containment
– Commands
– Firearm discharge
ICE states its operations are guided by policy and training standards aimed at protecting officers and the public. Official background on ICE enforcement operations is available at the DHS website: ICE ERO – Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Possible evidence and legal paths:
– Prosecutors may use vehicle damage photos, agent statements, and medical records to argue that force met policy.
– The defense may seek body camera footage, surveillance video, and bystander clips to challenge the government’s account.
– The shooting could factor into both the criminal case and any future civil claims.
Current status and what to watch
- Parias remains in federal custody, facing a felony charge that could bring years in prison if a jury sides with the government’s version of events.
- His online profile as “Richard LA” means each filing, hearing, and ruling will likely attract public attention.
- Supporters await updates, his lawyer continues to press for access and records, and investigators work to piece together the events that began as an administrative arrest and ended with gunfire on a South Los Angeles street.
This Article in a Nutshell
On October 21, 2025, federal agents from ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a 44-year-old TikTok personality known as “Richard LA,” in South Los Angeles during an administrative immigration operation. Authorities say Parias attempted to flee after being boxed in, striking law enforcement vehicles; an ICE agent fired, wounding Parias in the arm or elbow, while a deputy marshal was hit by a ricochet. Both are expected to recover. Parias was booked on a federal felony charge of assault on a federal officer, which could carry up to eight years in prison. Federal prosecutors are reviewing the case; investigators are collecting statements, vehicle damage photos, medical records, and bodycam and bystander video. His attorney reported limited access and missing paperwork. Community supporters gathered outside the hospital, and the case has reignited debate over livestreaming enforcement actions and the balance between public documentation and operational safety. The investigation remains open and may influence both criminal and civil proceedings.
