Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the suspect used vehicle as a deadly weapon, which he said ‘justifies’ the use of deadly force

A deputy U.S. Marshal was wounded by a friendly fire bullet squeezed off by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement after agents were allegedly rammed by a target’s boxed-in vehicle during an ongoing immigration operation in South Los Angeles on Tuesday morning.

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the suspect “weaponized his vehicle and began ramming the law enforcement vehicle in an attempt to flee” when federal immigration enforcement officers attempted to perform a traffic stop on him. When he used his vehicle to get away, an ICE agent allegedly opened fire hitting the suspect with the bullet richocheting into his fellow federal agent.

The suspect, who McLaughlin said had previously escaped from custody, and that “defensive shots” were fired to protect “the safety of the public and law enforcement.”

Both the suspect and the marshal were hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries, officials say.

PSA: A vehicle is a deadly weapon. Using it against law enforcement justifies their use of deadly force in self-defense. If you wish to challenge law enforcement actions, do so in court, not on the streets.

I urge California public officials to moderate their rhetoric toward…

— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) October 21, 2025

The chaotic scene unfolded around 8:52 a.m. in the area of 400 E 20th Street, which is a few blocks south of the 10 Freeway, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which set up a command post on scene but was clear that its officers were not involved.

LAPD Advisory: LAPD officers providing outer perimeter traffic control at the scene of a Federal Investigation. NO LAPD officers involved. Media viewing area designated at the intersection of Maple / 20th Street.

— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) October 21, 2025

In a statement, the U.S. Marshals Service said their deputies were “attempting to assist in [an] arrest of a suspect wanted for illegal entry” during the immigration enforcement operation. A deputy “sustained non-life threatening injuries” and is currently listed as stable, according to the federal agency.

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