Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino announced Wednesday that 39-year-old Elpidio Reyna was arrested for allegedly throwing rocks at federal officers during a June immigration operation.
Riots erupted in downtown Los Angeles that month in response to the Trump administration’s ramp-up of illegal migrant arrests in the sanctuary city. Protests broke out across Los Angeles and Orange counties, including the city of Paramount.
According to the FBI’s press release, federal vehicles were hit with projectiles while driving down Alondra Boulevard on June 7. Videos circulated online of a suspect throwing what officials determined were concrete blocks at federal vehicles.
A criminal complaint against Reyna was filed the next day, June 8, in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. The agency said it identified Reyna shortly after releasing surveillance video and photos of suspects involved.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli released a statement Wednesday on X, along with a video of the 39-year-old’s arrest, saying he was taken into custody by a Border Patrol agent who had been inside one of the vehicles during the time of the incident.
“He was taken into custody by a U.S. Border Patrol officer who was inside one of the vehicles damaged in the attack — a brave law enforcement officer who could have been killed in last month’s dangerous and reckless attack,” Essayli wrote.
“To anyone who thinks they can attack federal officers and hide behind a mask or helmet, Reyna’s arrest today proves we can find and charge anyone who violates federal law. Don’t touch our officers,” Essayli added.
Agents attempted to locate Reyna following the criminal complaint against him, but he was initially unable to be found. Agents later said he had fled to Mexico. According to the FBI, Reyna’s photo and description were then publicized in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Reyna was later arrested by authorities in Mexico’s Sinaloa state. He surrendered to the FBI at the San Ysidro port of entry before being taken to Los Angeles.
If found guilty, Reyna could face a statutory maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison.
“Well done @FBILosAngeles @CBP and all federal partners. More to come. Those who attack America’s police officers can run but they can’t hide,” Bongino said on X.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screen Capture/PBS NewsHour)
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