Federal officials have confirmed the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with a violent incident that shook a Southern California neighborhood in early June. The arrest follows weeks of cross-border investigation, international cooperation, and a manhunt that spanned two countries.
It all began on June 7, when tensions erupted in the city of Paramount, California. According to officials, federal immigration authorities were conducting operations in the area when they were suddenly confronted by a group of protesters. What started as a demonstration quickly escalated into chaos.
Witnesses say that concrete blocks and glass bottles were hurled at federal officers, injuring at least one and damaging several government vehicles. Video captured by a local news outlet showed agents retreating under a hail of rocks, with their SUV visibly dented and windows shattered.
In the days that followed, footage from social media and televised reports helped authorities piece together what had happened—and who might have been responsible. The FBI quickly launched an investigation, identifying one individual as a primary suspect in the attack.
The situation ignited broader unrest across the Los Angeles area. Protests and riots flared in response to federal immigration enforcement activities. Fires were lit in the streets, storefronts were vandalized, and public order rapidly declined.
Amid growing concern, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines and federalized nearly 4,000 National Guard troops to restore control. The decision sparked immediate backlash from California’s Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who criticized the move as excessive and unconstitutional.
Newsom swiftly filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the use of California National Guard troops without state consent violated the Posse Comitatus Act. Although a federal judge initially sided with the governor and ordered the withdrawal of troops, that ruling was overturned by a higher court, and control of the deployment remained with the Trump administration.
As the legal battle played out, the FBI continued to search for the suspect. They soon discovered he had fled the country, crossing into Mexico shortly after the incident. With the help of Mexican authorities and U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the FBI began coordinating efforts to bring him back.
The breakthrough came in Sinaloa, Mexico, where the suspect had reportedly been hiding. After negotiations between U.S. and Mexican officials, the individual agreed to surrender. He was brought to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, where he was taken into federal custody on Wednesday morning.
The suspect—identified only in the final stage of the FBI’s announcement—is 39-year-old Elpidio Reyna of Compton, California. He now faces a federal felony charge of assaulting an officer. Officials revealed that the agent who arrested Reyna was among those injured in the June 7 attack, adding a dramatic twist to the case.
“You may remember the subject who allegedly threw rocks at federal officers during immigration operations in California,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “We got him. He was arrested today at the U.S.-Mexico border.”
Bongino issued a stern warning to others who may consider targeting law enforcement. “Those who attack America’s police officers can run, but they can’t hide.”
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, confirmed the arrest and emphasized the gravity of the charges. “To anyone who thinks they can attack federal officers and hide behind a mask or helmet, this arrest proves we will find and charge anyone who violates federal law. Don’t touch our officers.”
https://twitter.com/USAttyEssayli/status/1948056678504767913
Reyna has been transported to Los Angeles for an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate. Prosecutors say the investigation remains open and further charges are possible.
