FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced the arrest of Elpidio Reyna, 39, in connection with a violent assault on federal immigration officers during a protest in Paramount, California, on June 7. Reyna is accused of hurling concrete blocks and rocks at Border Patrol agents, injuring one officer and damaging multiple government vehicles. He was taken into custody at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after voluntarily surrendering to U.S. authorities.<\/p>\n
The attack unfolded as Border Patrol agents established a staging area for immigration enforcement operations. The situation escalated when protesters began throwing projectiles at the officers, prompting them to deploy tear gas. Video footage captured the chaos, showing agents retreating while their vehicles were hit with rocks. Bongino confirmed the arrest on X, stating, \u201cThey can run, but they can\u2019t hide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the incident, Reyna fled to Mexico. The FBI used social media footage and news reports to identify him, and his image was widely circulated throughout Southern California and parts of Mexico. Mexican authorities eventually located Reyna in Sinaloa. After a period of negotiation, he agreed to surrender and was handed over to U.S. agents at the border.<\/p>\n
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, confirmed Reyna faces felony assault charges. He noted that the arrest was made by the very officer whose vehicle had been targeted during the attack, calling it a “powerful moment of justice.” Essayli emphasized that attacks on federal officers will not go unpunished.<\/p>\n
The June 7 protest was part of broader unrest across Los Angeles following ICE enforcement actions. The Trump administration responded by deploying military forces, which drew criticism from California officials. Legal challenges followed, questioning the federal government’s authority to use the National Guard in state-level law enforcement without state consent.<\/p>\n