ICE Shot a Journalist and Threw Him in Detention. He’s Approaching 300 Days Behind Bars With a Festering Wound.

ICE officers shot and detained journalist Carlitos Ricardo Parias during an immigration raid in South Los Angeles on June 13, 2025. The incident, captured on video, shows Parias being struck by gunfire in the elbow as he attempted to flee from agents who had surrounded his vehicle. Parias, a well-known local journalist operating under the name Richard Noticias LA, had been documenting community issues across Southern California for years. Despite his efforts to expose wrongdoing, he found himself caught in a violent encounter that would lead to nearly three years of incarceration. Parias was taken into custody following the shooting and subjected to prolonged detention at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, located just outside the city of Adelanto, California, a small town approximately one hour and a half from Disneyland. As of May 27, 2026, Parias had spent nearly 300 days behind bars, enduring harsh conditions that included inadequate medical treatment for his injury. His elbow wound, inflicted during the initial confrontation, remained untreated, leading to severe complications. Inmates described the facility as overcrowded and unsanitary, with reports of contaminated drinking water containing visible worms. The circumstances surrounding Parias's arrest were complex. Federal authorities claimed he was an undocumented immigrant who had previously avoided capture. However, this narrative contradicted extensive documentation of his journalistic activities and public recognition. On October 2025, the Los Angeles City Council honored Parias with a proclamation acknowledging his contributions to local journalism. His presence on social media platforms like TikTok, where he amassed over 100,000 followers, further underscored his influence and reach within the community. In the weeks following the shooting, Parias's condition deteriorated. Medical professionals noted the severity of his injuries, including the discoloration of his arm due to lack of proper care. His case gained national attention, drawing comparisons to other journalists who had faced similar fates. For instance, Judith Miller, a New York Times reporter, served 85 days in prison in 2005 for refusing to disclose her sources. Similarly, Vanessa Leggett spent 168 days in custody before being released in 2002, and Josh Wolf endured 226 days of imprisonment. These cases highlight the broader issue of journalists facing legal repercussions for their work, particularly in contexts involving sensitive information or controversial topics. Parias's situation escalated further when, four months after the initial incident, he was ambushed by federal agents while driving through downtown Los Angeles. Unmarked vehicles surrounded his car, and masked individuals forced him to stop. Bodycam footage revealed the chaotic nature of the encounter, with agents struggling to gain entry to the vehicle. During the struggle, one officer fired upon Parias, resulting in additional injuries. A U.S. marshal was also wounded during the incident, though he was expected to make a full recovery. The aftermath of these confrontations saw Parias repeatedly hospitalized, yet his access to adequate medical care remained limited. His persistent complaints about the conditions at Adelanto ICE Processing Center were met with little response from officials. Photographs circulated online showing the deplorable state of the facility, including the presence of worms in the drinking water. These images sparked widespread condemnation and calls for reform. As of May 27, 2026, Parias continues to await resolution of his case. His legal team has filed numerous appeals, arguing that his rights have been violated throughout the process. Meanwhile, advocates for press freedom continue to monitor his situation, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists who risk their safety to inform the public. The ongoing saga of Carlitos Ricardo Parias serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who seek truth in an environment where accountability is often elusive.