Respected citizen journalist shot in ICE confrontation had TikTok following

The initial video posted by "Richard LA" on TikTok appeared on August 21, 2024, depicting an accident scene at 27th and San Pedro, where two cars were damaged and individuals were being transported to the hospital. The creator behind "Richard LA" was actually Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a 44-year-old father residing in southern Los Angeles. His TikTok feed quickly filled with similar clips capturing various incidents such as a fire and a car crash, gaining a growing audience over time. These videos garnered significant views, especially when he began focusing on Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles. Despite his rise as a respected citizen journalist, many were unaware that Parias himself was an undocumented immigrant. On Tuesday, he was involved in a confrontation with federal agents as they attempted to detain him in relation to his immigration status, resulting in injuries to both Parias and a deputy marshal. Parias remains hospitalized as legal proceedings continue. His unexpected journey into citizen journalism had begun with a desire to document happenings in his community, reflecting his dedication to keeping South LA residents informed and safe.