A federal judge has dismissed an indictment against Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a TikTok streamer from Los Angeles, who was shot by a federal agent during an immigration enforcement operation.The judge's ruling, issued on December 27, 2025, cited significant constitutional violations, including Parias's lack of access to legal counsel while in detention.
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theguardian.comusatoday.comParias, known for documenting police and immigration activities on his social media platforms, was accused of assaulting federal officers after allegedly ramming his vehicle into theirs during an attempted arrest on October 21, 2025.The incident resulted in Parias being shot in the elbow, and a deputy US Marshal was injured by a ricochet bullet.
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usatoday.comfoxla.comUS District Judge Fernando M.Olguin dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the government cannot refile the same charges against Parias.The judge highlighted that the government had failed to provide timely access to body camera footage of the shooting, which was released five days after the deadline, and that Parias's defense team was unable to meet with him while he was held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center.
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theguardian.comabcnews.go.comIn his ruling, Judge Olguin stated, "The government's failure to coordinate the overlapping actions of its separate agencies while relentlessly pursuing Mr Parias's criminal proceedings created a situation from which constitutional violations could - and did - occur." He emphasized that the obstacles imposed by ICE made it nearly impossible for Parias to prepare for his trial.
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abcnews.go.comfoxla.comThe US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles expressed strong disagreement with the court's decision and indicated that it is considering an appeal.They maintain that Parias's actions during the incident justified the use of force by federal agents.
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usatoday.comlatimes.comParias, a Mexican national living in the US without legal status, has gained a following for his Spanish-language videos that document local events, including police activity and community issues.His work has been recognized by local officials, including a Certificate of Recognition from the Los Angeles City Council for his contributions to community reporting.
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abcnews.go.comfoxla.comDespite the dismissal of the criminal charges, Parias remains in ICE detention as his immigration case proceeds.The ongoing situation has sparked debate about the treatment of individuals in immigration enforcement operations and the rights of those who document such activities.
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theguardian.comlatimes.comThe case has drawn attention to the broader implications of immigration enforcement practices and the rights of individuals involved.Advocates for Parias argue that he was targeted for his social media coverage, while federal authorities maintain that he posed a threat during the arrest attempt.
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usatoday.comfoxla.comAs the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the rights of individuals within the system.Parias's situation remains a focal point for discussions about civil rights and the treatment of undocumented individuals in the US.
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abcnews.go.comlatimes.comThe outcome of the US Attorney's Office's potential appeal and Parias's immigration case will be closely monitored as they unfold in the coming months.
