TikTok influencer, Deputy U.S. Marshal shot during LA immigration operation

CBS LA

2,480 views • 13 hours ago

Video Summary

An ICE operation in South LA resulted in two men being shot, one of whom is a deputy US Marshal. The incident involves citizen journalist "Richard LA," identified as Caritos Ricardo Paras, who was shot in the arm. Immigration officials claim Paras was attempting to flee a traffic stop and used his car as a weapon, leading an agent to fire. A bullet ricocheted, striking the US Marshal in the hand. However, those who know Paras, including his attorney and fellow TikTok journalists, contend that his work documenting ICE activity made him a target. A protest erupted outside the hospital where Paras is being treated, with attendees demanding answers and expressing fear. An interesting fact from the transcript is that the charge of assault on a federal officer against Richard LA carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison

Short Highlights

Two people were shot during an ICE operation in South LA, one of whom was a deputy US Marshal.
"Richard LA" (Caritos Ricardo Paras), a citizen journalist known for tracking ICE activity, was shot in the arm.
Immigration officials claim Richard LA attempted to flee a traffic stop and used his car as a weapon, leading to the shooting.
A bullet ricocheted and struck a US Marshal in the hand; the Marshal is in stable condition.
Richard LA faces a charge of assault on a federal officer, which carries a potential sentence of up to eight yea

Key Details

ICE Operation and Conflicting Accounts [00:04]

Two individuals were shot during an ICE operation in South LA, with one of them being a deputy US Marshal.
Citizen journalist "Richard LA," identified as Caritos Ricardo Paras, is in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is under guard.
He is scheduled to appear in court to face a charge of assault on a federal officer.
Immigration officials state that Paras, who is undocumented and had previously avoided capture, was targeted for arrest.
They claim he attempted to flee a traffic stop and used his car as a weapon, prompting an agent to open fire.
A bullet ricocheted and struck a US Marshal in the hand.
A TikTok journalist claims to have witnessed the event and captured video of the aftermath.

"Richard, no, open the door and the federal, hey, open the door. No, open the door and we got take the shots."

Community Reaction and Protest [01:50]

Friends of Paras and other community members dispute the official account, suggesting his work as a citizen journalist made him a target.
His attorney stated that his reporting on ICE activity has brought to light instances of individuals being taken off the streets.
A protest formed outside Dignity Health California hospital, where Paras is being treated, with attendees demanding answers.
The protest attracted a significant LAPD response as the crowd sought updates on Richard LA's condition and release.
A deputy chief of staff for Councilman Current Price, who had previously honored Richard LA for his community work, was present at the hospital to meet with Paras's son.
Activists expressed fear and a lack of transparency regarding the incident, vowing to fight back against what they perceive as violence.

"This type of violence is the type of violence that we denounce and it's the type of violence that will only create more violence."

Legal Ramifications and Official Statements [03:12]

Immigration officials confirmed that the ricocheted bullet hit the US Marshal in the hand.
The US Marshal's office stated that the Marshal is in stable condition.
The charge of assault on a federal officer against Richard LA carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison.
The incident occurred near 20th and Maple in South LA.
The total duration of the transcript is approximately 3 minutes and 35 second