A man accused of throwing rocks at federal agents in vehicles during an ICE operation last month in the city of Paramount, California, located in Los Angeles County, was arrested Wednesday morning, acting U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles Bill Essayli announced.
Essayli posted videos of the rock attack and of the suspect turning himself in at the Mexico border:
ARRESTED: Elpidio Reyna surrendered today at the U.S.-Mexico border to face a felony charge of assault on a federal officer for throwing rocks at passing law enforcement vehicles in Paramount on June 7.
He was taken into custody by a U.S. Border Patrol officer who was inside one of the vehicles damaged in the attack — a brave law enforcement officer who could have been killed in last month’s dangerous and reckless attack.
I thank @FBILosAngeles, @CBP, and @USBPChiefELC for their efforts to track down this dangerous felon.
To anyone who thinks they can attack federal officers and hide behind a mask or helmet, Reyna’s arrest today proves we can find and charge anyone who violates federal law. Don’t touch our officers.
Reyna will make his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
ARRESTED: Elpidio Reyna surrendered today at the U.S.-Mexico border to face a felony charge of assault on a federal officer for throwing rocks at passing law enforcement vehicles in Paramount on June 7.
He was taken into custody by a U.S. Border Patrol officer who was inside… pic.twitter.com/9ExZPnEAPT
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) July 23, 2025
A violent mob turned out after ICE vehicles were seen staging near a Home Depot in Paramount on June 7.
Original video of the rock attack posted by reporter Jeremy Lindenfeld. The video shows the suspect throwing rocks at windows and windshields of vehicles containing federal agents from close range as they drove by:
Many Border Patrol vehicles and other unmarked cars just exited the anti-ICE protest area in Paramount, California. They were met with fierce resistance from protesters, with a number of vehicles being visibly damaged. pic.twitter.com/Ek8AyQ9AQb
— Jeremy Lindenfeld (@jeremotographs) June 7, 2025
In response to repeated rock throwing attacks on ICE and other federal agents enforcing immigration laws, President Donald Trump recently authorized agents to stop their vehicles when attacked and arrest attackers on the spot.
“I am on my way back from Texas, and watched in disbelief as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers while they were moving down a roadway in their car and/or official vehicle. Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles. I know for a fact that these Officers are having a hard time with allowing this to happen in that it shows such total disrespect for LAW AND ORDER. Therefore, I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and Border Czar, Tom Homan, to instruct all ICE, Homeland Security, or any other Law Enforcement Officer who is on the receiving end of thrown rocks, bricks, or any other form of assault, to stop their car, and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary to do so. I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public. I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again! AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Violent attacks on federal agents enforcing immigration laws have skyrocketed since the Trump administration ramped up enforcement earlier this year, with several incidents of agents being fired upon by gunmen or targeted by rocks and other projectiles.
Two officers, one federal, one local, have been wounded by gunfire in separate attacks in New York and Texas, respectively, with the federal officer in New York still hospitalized. One suspected gunman was shot and killed by return fire in another attack in Texas..
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