A Compton resident has admitted to assaulting a federal officer during an anti-immigration enforcement riot in Paramount last year. Elpidio Reyna, 41, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assault on a federal officer by a deadly or dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury.
According to the plea agreement, on June 7, 2025, Reyna attacked a federal law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon while the officer was carrying out official duties. The incident took place near a Home Depot in Paramount, where federal officers were conducting a joint enforcement operation. Protesters at the scene threw rocks at official vehicles and set objects on fire.
During the unrest, Reyna lit items on fire in the street and threw rocks at vehicles occupied by United States Customs and Border Protection officers. One rock thrown by Reyna shattered glass in an officer’s vehicle and caused cuts to the officer's forehead.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli commented on the case: “This defendant could have easily killed a federal officer or innocent bystander. As he found out the hard way, violence against law enforcement is not constitutionally protected and will be met with swift justice. Those who engage in similar violence will be arrested, charged, and eventually convicted in a court of law.”
Reyna has been held in federal custody since July 2025. United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha scheduled sentencing for August 7. Reyna faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Brenda N. Galván is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California is responsible for enforcing laws within its district, which includes seven counties and serves over 19 million residents through locations in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside official website. The office works closely with various law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety official website and provides community outreach programs focused on victim assistance and public education official website. E. Martin Estrada has served as United States Attorney for this district official website.
