A federal law enforcement agent opened fire during a targeted immigration operation in Southern California on Wednesday morning after a suspect allegedly used his vehicle as a weapon while attempting to evade arrest, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The incident unfolded in Compton as DHS officers carried out an operation aimed at apprehending a violent criminal illegal immigrant wanted in connection with a human smuggling operation. Authorities say the suspect attempted to escape by driving directly into law enforcement officers, prompting an armed response.
A DHS spokesperson said that officers were attempting to arrest William Eduardo Moran Carballo, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador with a history of violent offenses, when the confrontation escalated.
“In a dangerous attempt to evade arrest, this criminal illegal alien weaponized his vehicle and rammed law enforcement. Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired defensive shots,” the DHS spokesperson told Fox News in a statement.
WATCH:
DHS ICE OFFICER SHOOTING #Compton | #California
Los Angeles – ACORRDING to abc7
Ice was trying to detain William Eduardo Moran Carballo who is accused of human smuggling,and 2 prior domestic abuse charges when the BMW rammed the officer vehicle and officers… pic.twitter.com/WdywJTJqMx— MəanL¡LMə♡₩ (@MeanLILMeoW) January 21, 2026
According to DHS, the suspect was not struck by gunfire and attempted to flee the scene on foot. He was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement officers. While the suspect was not injured, a Customs and Border Protection officer sustained injuries during the encounter.
“The criminal illegal alien was not hit and attempted to flee on foot. He was successfully apprehended by law enforcement. The illegal alien was not injured, but a CBP officer was injured,” the spokesperson added.
#COMPTON, California
LAPD was aware of the operation and are on scene working with DHS FYI
NO PROTESTS HAVE BEGUN
Caution to all propaganda media –
I went and found my own stream and did my own investigating on the developing situation and will update soon on condition of… pic.twitter.com/76SCYBz0tx
— MəanL¡LMə♡₩ (@MeanLILMeoW) January 21, 2026
The operation occurred near the 2400 block of 126th Street in unincorporated Los Angeles County, an area close to a school during the morning hours when children were reportedly walking to class. The presence of a heavy tactical response in the area placed the surrounding community on high alert as the situation unfolded.
DHS described the incident as “evolving” and confirmed that an immigration judge had issued Carballo a final order of removal in 2019. Despite that order, DHS said the suspect remained in the country and continued engaging in criminal activity.
COMPTON CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES, DHS ICE OFFICER SHOOTING, People have driven hours to the scene and crowds are growing,given this happened hours ago and scene is still untouched its possible someone got severely hurt
Developing Story WILL UPDATE pic.twitter.com/bXztPmaabH
— MəanL¡LMə♡₩ (@MeanLILMeoW) January 21, 2026
Officials also pointed to broader concerns over rising threats faced by federal officers during immigration enforcement operations, particularly in jurisdictions governed by sanctuary policies.
“These dangerous attempts to evade arrest have surged since sanctuary politicians, including Governor Newsom, have encouraged illegal aliens to evade arrest and provided guides advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest,” the DHS spokesperson said. “Our officers are now facing a 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it was aware of the incident but emphasized that its deputies were not directly involved in the enforcement action itself.
“At approximately 7:25 a.m. Century Station deputies were requested to provide outside perimeter traffic control. The Sheriff’s Department was not directly involved in the incident,” the department told Fox News Digital.
No additional suspects were immediately identified by authorities, though multiple individuals were reportedly detained during the broader operation. DHS has not released further details as the investigation continues.
