A 40-year-old Compton man, Elpidio Reyna, is in custody after allegedly launching a deadly rock attack on federal law enforcement officers in Paramount, California.
The assault left at least one Border Patrol agent injured and prompted an FBI manhunt with a $50,000 reward. Reyna faces federal felony charges, including assault on an officer and destruction of government property. His arrest follows a dramatic pursuit that crossed the U.S.–Mexico border, where he was apprehended after fleeing southward.
The incident took place on June 7, around 3:30 p.m., near Alondra Boulevard in Paramount during anti‑ICE protests. Reyna reportedly threw cinder blocks and large stones at U.S. Border Patrol and ICE vehicles, resulting in injuries to at least one federal agent. The FBI classified the attack as a serious threat to law enforcement.
Though masked and wearing a helmet, the FBI later identified Reyna through surveillance images and video. Authorities responded by offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
On July 23, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino confirmed that Reyna had been captured at the U.S.–Mexico border. He was taken into custody by the same Border Patrol unit whose vehicle had been attacked. The charges Reyna now faces include assault on a federal officer and damaging government property, felonies that carry a potential prison sentence of up to eight years if convicted.
Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California warned: “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.”
The FBI reiterated that Reyna would not be allowed to evade justice. The Department of Homeland Security underscored that attacks on law enforcement will be met with the full force of federal prosecution.
President Trump’s administration and supporters have emphasized that violence will not be tolerated under the guise of dissent. Lawful protest is a cornerstone of American freedoms, but violence against officers undermines principles of order, respect for authority, and peaceful assembly.
