A routine federal arrest operation in Southern California escalated into a life-threatening confrontation this week after an illegal immigrant allegedly attempted to run down law enforcement officers with his vehicle, forcing a federal agent to fire defensive shots, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The incident unfolded Wednesday morning in Compton, California, during an operation conducted by federal immigration authorities targeting an individual with a lengthy criminal history and alleged ties to a human smuggling network. DHS officials say the suspect used his vehicle as a weapon while attempting to evade arrest — a tactic that has become increasingly common in sanctuary jurisdictions, according to federal law enforcement.
Arrest Operation Turns Violent
Federal agents were attempting to take William Eduardo Moran Carballo, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, into custody when the situation rapidly deteriorated. According to DHS, Carballo refused to comply with officers’ commands and instead attempted to flee the scene by ramming his vehicle into law enforcement personnel.
Officials described the action as a deliberate attempt to cause serious harm.
“During the arrest attempt, the subject weaponized his vehicle and rammed law enforcement officers,” a DHS spokesperson told Fox News. “Fearing for his life and safety, an agent discharged defensive shots.”
The shots did not strike the suspect. Carballo then exited the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but was ultimately apprehended by federal authorities after a brief pursuit.
Suspect’s Criminal History
DHS confirmed that Carballo is the subject of a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in 2019, meaning he had already exhausted his legal options to remain in the United States and was required to leave the country years ago.
Despite that order, he remained in the United States and accumulated additional criminal charges. According to DHS, Carballo has at least two prior arrests for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant — a serious domestic violence offense under California law.
In addition to those charges, federal officials say Carballo is connected to a broader human smuggling operation, though details of that investigation have not yet been publicly disclosed.
“This was not a random individual,” one federal source familiar with the operation said. “This was someone with a documented history of violence and alleged involvement in organized criminal activity.”
Officer Injured, Suspect Unharmed
While Carballo was not struck by gunfire and did not suffer injuries during the encounter, DHS confirmed that at least one Customs and Border Protection officer sustained injuries as a result of the incident.
The nature and severity of the officer’s injuries have not been publicly detailed, though officials confirmed they were receiving medical attention.
DHS emphasized that the agent’s use of force was defensive and lawful under federal use-of-force guidelines, which allow officers to respond with deadly force when faced with an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death.
A vehicle used aggressively against officers qualifies as a deadly weapon under federal law.
Growing Pattern of Vehicle Attacks
Federal officials say this incident is part of a disturbing and rapidly growing trend: suspects using vehicles to attack or intimidate law enforcement officers during arrest operations.
According to DHS, attacks involving vehicles have surged dramatically in recent years, particularly in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
“These dangerous attempts to evade arrest have surged since sanctuary politicians have encouraged illegal aliens to resist and evade law enforcement,” the DHS spokesperson said.
The department cited internal data indicating a reported 3,200 percent increase in vehicle-related attacks on federal officers during immigration enforcement operations.
Federal agents say the messaging coming from political leaders matters — and that repeated public attacks on immigration enforcement embolden suspects who believe officers will hesitate or face political consequences for defending themselves.
Sanctuary Policies Under Scrutiny
California’s sanctuary policies have long been criticized by federal officials, who argue that restrictions on cooperation between local and federal law enforcement create dangerous conditions for officers and the public alike.
Under current California law, local agencies are often prohibited from assisting federal immigration authorities or sharing information about criminal illegal immigrants, even those with violent histories or outstanding removal orders.
That forces federal agents to conduct arrests in the field rather than in controlled environments such as jails — increasing the likelihood of confrontations like the one in Compton.
“Sanctuary policies don’t protect communities,” one federal law enforcement official said. “They protect criminals and push dangerous arrests into neighborhoods, parking lots, and residential streets.”
Local Law Enforcement Responds
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it was aware of the incident, which occurred in the 2400 block of 126th Street in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene after the confrontation but deferred primary responsibility to federal authorities, as the operation involved a federal arrest.
Officials said there was no ongoing threat to the public following the incident.
Political Context and Rising Tensions
The incident comes amid heightened national tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly in Democratic-led states where officials have increasingly clashed with the Trump administration’s enforcement policies.
Federal agents have faced protests, harassment, doxing campaigns, and political attacks in recent months, especially in California and Minnesota. DHS officials say these pressures have made enforcement operations more dangerous, not less.
“When politicians demonize law enforcement and suggest agents are acting unlawfully simply for enforcing the law, it creates an environment where suspects feel justified in using violence,” a DHS official said.
Despite the political backlash, federal officials have vowed to continue enforcement operations targeting individuals with violent criminal histories and outstanding removal orders.
No Charges Announced Yet
As of this writing, DHS has not announced whether additional charges will be filed against Carballo related to the alleged assault on federal officers. However, legal experts note that using a vehicle to ram law enforcement officers can result in serious federal charges, including assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon.
The investigation into Carballo’s alleged ties to human smuggling is ongoing.
Broader Implications
Law enforcement leaders say incidents like this underscore the reality of modern immigration enforcement — and the risks officers face daily.
“This isn’t about politics,” one federal agent said. “This is about officers going home alive at the end of their shift.”
As vehicle-based attacks increase and enforcement becomes more confrontational, federal agencies are reviewing operational protocols and emphasizing officer safety training.
For now, DHS officials say the message is clear: federal agents will continue to enforce the law — and they will defend themselves when attacked.
“This was a measured, lawful response to a deadly threat,” DHS said. “Our officers will not hesitate to protect their lives and the lives of others.”