A U.S. marshal sustained non-life-threatening injuries during an immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles, according to officials. The incident occurred when federal agents attempted to apprehend an undocumented individual who had previously fled custody.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the immigrant “weaponized his vehicle and began ramming the law enforcement vehicle in an attempt to flee.” Federal officers fired “defensive shots” during the encounter, resulting in the immigrant being struck in the elbow. A ricocheting bullet injured a U.S. marshal, who was taken to the hospital with stable conditions.
The DHS confirmed both the immigrant and the officer were hospitalized but provided no further details on their statuses. The FBI’s Los Angeles field office is investigating the shooting, with an evidence response team processing the scene near East 20th Street in the Fashion District.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has criticized federal immigration raids, calling for a congressional inquiry into alleged unlawful detentions. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin attributed rising tensions to “sanctuary politicians and activists” encouraging resistance against law enforcement, citing a “1000% increase in assaults” on officers.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently declared a state of emergency over the impact of federal operations, citing widespread fear and economic disruption.
