Compton, California, January 22, 2026
A dangerous confrontation occurred during an immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles, resulting in federal agents firing at William Eduardo Moran Carballo. The suspect allegedly rammed his vehicle into law enforcement cars while attempting to escape. A Customs and Border Protection agent was injured. Both Carballo and the agent were hospitalized but are now in stable condition. The incident is under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security amid growing community concerns over safety during immigration enforcement activities.
Los Angeles, California
Federal agents fired at a suspect during an immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles on January 21, 2026. The suspect, William Eduardo Moran Carballo, was apprehended after allegedly ramming his vehicle into law enforcement vehicles while attempting to flee. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent sustained unspecified injuries during the incident. Both the agent and the suspect were transported to a hospital; their conditions are currently stable. The Department of Homeland Security is investigating the use of force during this operation.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 7:05 a.m., federal agents initiated a targeted operation in Compton to arrest William Eduardo Moran Carballo, a citizen of El Salvador accused of being in the U.S. illegally and involved in a human smuggling operation. During the operation, Carballo allegedly “weaponized his vehicle” by ramming into law enforcement vehicles in an attempt to evade arrest. In response, a federal agent fired “defensive shots.” Carballo was not injured, but a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent sustained unspecified injuries. Both individuals were transported to a hospital; their conditions are currently stable. The Department of Homeland Security is investigating the use of force during this operation.
Background Context
This incident is part of a series of confrontations during immigration enforcement operations in Southern California. In October 2025, an ICE agent opened fire during an operation in South Los Angeles, wounding both the suspect and a deputy U.S. marshal. In August 2025, federal agents fired shots during an operation in San Bernardino after alleging that the driver attempted to run them down. These events have raised questions about the use of force by federal immigration agents during enforcement actions.
Investigation and Community Response
The Department of Homeland Security is conducting an investigation into the use of force during this operation. Community members have expressed concerns about the safety of such operations, especially near schools and residential areas. Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to ensure transparency and address public concerns. While the greater Los Angeles area has long been a bastion of diversity and cultural exchange, incidents like these remind us of the challenges we face regarding safety, immigration enforcement, and community relations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the immigration enforcement operation in South Los Angeles?
Federal agents fired at a suspect, William Eduardo Moran Carballo, during an operation in Compton. Carballo allegedly rammed his vehicle into law enforcement vehicles while attempting to flee. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was injured during the incident. Both the agent and Carballo were transported to a hospital; their conditions are currently stable.
Who is William Eduardo Moran Carballo?
William Eduardo Moran Carballo is a citizen of El Salvador accused of being in the U.S. illegally and involved in a human smuggling operation.
What is the Department of Homeland Security’s role in this incident?
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating the use of force during this operation to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and address public concerns.
How has the community responded to this incident?
Community members have expressed concerns about the safety of such operations, especially near schools and residential areas. Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to ensure transparency and address public concerns.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Compton, California |
| Suspect | William Eduardo Moran Carballo, citizen of El Salvador |
| Allegation | Attempted to evade arrest by ramming vehicle into law enforcement vehicles |
| Injuries | U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent sustained unspecified injuries; both agent and suspect transported to hospital; conditions stable |
| Investigation | Department of Homeland Security investigating the use of force during the operation |
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