Mexican influencer seeks $50 million from US government

Mexican TikTok influencer Carlitos Ricardo Parias, known as ‘Richard LA’, has filed a claim for $50 million against the United States government. The claim follows an October 2025 incident in South Los Angeles where federal agents shot Parias during a migratory arrest.

During the operation, Parias sustained gunshot wounds to his elbow and hand. According to his legal team, the bullet also struck a U.S. Marshal. While the Department of Justice initially accused Parias of ramming police vehicles and assaulting a federal agent, a federal judge dismissed the charges, ruling that his constitutional rights were violated when he was denied access to legal counsel.

The Trump administration has filed an appeal against the dismissal. Despite the charges being dropped, Parias remains in custody, a situation his lawyers describe as illegal. Parias, 45, gained prominence on TikTok for reporting on immigration activities and local security issues in Los Angeles.