TikTok Journalist Richard LA Shot During ICE Operation in Los Angeles

Carlitos Ricardo Parias, also known as Richard LA on TikTok, is a 44-year-old undocumented immigrant and citizen journalist in Los Angeles who gained recognition for documenting ICE raids. During a targeted immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles, federal agents attempted to arrest him using a traffic stop, but Parias allegedly rammed his vehicle into law enforcement vehicles and resisted arrest. In the ensuing confrontation, federal agents fired defensive shots, wounding Parias in the arm and injuring a Deputy U.S. Marshal with a ricochet bullet; both were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Parias has been charged with assault on a federal officer and faces up to eight years in prison, while community supporters and local officials have praised him as a courageous and respected figure. The incident sparked protests and an investigation by multiple federal agencies, with differing narratives from authorities and Parias's supporters about the events leading to the shooting. Despite the controversy, Parias remains a significant social media voice highlighting immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.