Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the suspect used vehicle as a deadly weapon, which he said \u2018justifies\u2019 the use of deadly force <\/p>\n
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\u2019s boxed-in vehicle during an ongoing immigration operation in South Los Angeles on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the suspect \u201cweaponized his vehicle and began ramming the law enforcement vehicle in an attempt to flee\u201d 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. <\/p>\n
The suspect, who McLaughlin said had previously escaped from custody, and that \u201cdefensive shots\u201d were fired to protect \u201cthe safety of the public and law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both the suspect and the marshal were hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries, officials say. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
I urge California public officials to moderate their rhetoric toward\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) October 21, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n