Elpidio Reyna, a suspected rioter accused of attacking federal law enforcement during last month’s anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, was arrested Wednesday at the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities announced.
According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Reyna was taken into custody at the San Ysidro port of entry in San Diego after surrendering to federal authorities. He faces a felony charge of assault on a federal officer for allegedly hurling large rocks at Border Patrol vehicles during the June 7 riots in Paramount, California.
Video of the incident, released by Essayli’s office, appears to show Reyna wearing a motorcycle helmet and throwing rocks at the windshields of moving federal vehicles. One Border Patrol officer was injured in the attack, Essayli said.
“This dangerous felon could have killed a federal officer in last month’s reckless assault,” Essayli stated. “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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the attack, saying the bureau “will never tolerate violence against those who serve and protect this country.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added in a post on X: “You may remember Elpidio Reyna, a subject who allegedly threw rocks at federal officers during immigration operations in California June 7. We got him. Those who attack America’s police officers can run but they can’t hide.”
Reyna is scheduled to make his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon in federal court.
The June riots erupted in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles. The Trump administration responded by deploying 700 Marines and federalizing roughly 4,000 National Guard troops to restore order — a move sharply criticized by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as “unnecessary” and “illegal.”
Newsom sued the administration, arguing that the National Guard deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from engaging in domestic law enforcement. While a federal judge initially ruled in Newsom’s favor, an appeals court reversed that decision, keeping control of the Guard with the federal government.
The case will return to federal court next month for further arguments on the legality of the deployment.
