News Summary
A history teacher in Los Angeles has ignited controversy after advocating for armed resistance against ICE following a shooting during an enforcement operation. Ron Gochez, a spokesperson for Unión del Barrio, made these comments during a news conference regarding the shooting of an immigrant. The Los Angeles Unified School District has expressed concern, while federal officials condemned the remarks, citing a significant rise in violence against law enforcement. The incident is currently under investigation as community tensions rise over immigration enforcement policies.
Los Angeles – A history teacher at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School has sparked controversy by calling for armed resistance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a shooting incident during an enforcement operation. Ron Gochez, who is also a spokesperson for the activist group Unión del Barrio, made these remarks during a news conference shortly after the shooting, which involved a federal agent and an undocumented immigrant.
The incident in question occurred during a targeted traffic stop of 44-year-old Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a Mexican national who allegedly attempted to ram his vehicle into federal agents. According to reports, Parias was shot in the elbow by federal agents, while a deputy U.S. Marshal sustained a hand injury from a ricochet bullet. Gochez emphasized the right of individuals to defend themselves against what he described as unidentified and masked enforcement officers, although he claimed that his remarks were not intended to incite violence.
The Los Angeles Unified School District responded to Gochez’s comments by reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff. The district stated it was aware of the situation and would take appropriate steps. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned Gochez’s statements as “unhinged” and indicated that they would be referred to the Justice Department due to the potential for inciting violence against law enforcement officers.
McLaughlin pointed out a stark increase in assaults against law enforcement, reporting a concerning 1,000% rise in such incidents. She criticized the rhetoric from sanctuary politicians and activists that encouraged resistance to ICE, attributing the contentious environment partly to this language. In this context, California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently enacted legislation that prohibits state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks during immigration enforcement operations, a move that has faced opposition from the Trump administration.
The shooting incident occurred as Parias attempted to evade arrest. He had previously escaped custody, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security. Parias, who gained visibility on social media as “Richard L.A.,” is known for documenting ICE raids and has attracted approximately 130,000 followers on TikTok. As news of the incident unfolded, a group of protesters gathered outside the hospital where both Parias and the injured law enforcement officer were being treated, expressing anger towards the police’s involvement in immigration enforcement.
In response to the incident, Gochez criticized federal authorities for what he termed “brutal violence” against immigrant communities, raising questions about the use of lethal force in enforcement actions. Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price expressed support for Parias, referring to him as a community figure who has contributed significantly to uplifting marginalized voices in South Central Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation by several agencies, including the DHS Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both the community and law enforcement officials are closely monitoring the situation, as discussions regarding the treatment of immigrant communities continue to intensify.
The implications of Gochez’s remarks and the shooting incident highlight ongoing tensions between law enforcement practices and immigrant rights activists, as the debate around immigration policies and the methods employed by federal agencies remains a contentious issue in California and across the nation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Escalating Military Enforcement in Los Angeles Sparks Fear
Trump’s Crime Crackdown in D.C. Ignites Controversy
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Immigration Enforcement Operation
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
- The Guardian: Deputy Marshal Shot in Los Angeles
- Google Search: Deputy Marshal shot Los Angeles
- USA Today: U.S. Marshal Shot During ICE Stop
- Encyclopedia Britannica: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- CBS News: Mayor Bass Speaks on Immigration Raids
- Google Scholar: Immigration Policy California
- Los Angeles Times: Mayor’s Response to Immigrant Rights
- Google News: Immigrant Rights California
- ABC News: L.A. County Declares State of Emergency
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
