PARAMOUNT, CA — June 9, 2025 — The man accused of assaulting a federal officer during a heated anti-ICE demonstration in Paramount, California, has been identified as Elpidio Reyna, U.S. officials confirmed late Monday. Reyna is now the subject of an active federal investigation and is expected to be added to the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
The announcement was made by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi during an appearance on Hannity, where she stated that law enforcement was executing a search warrant on Reyna’s residence as the news broke.
Assault During Demonstration
According to the FBI, Reyna allegedly threw rocks at federal officers and government vehicles during the protest on Saturday around 3:30 p.m. on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount. One federal officer was reportedly injured in the incident, and multiple vehicles sustained damage. Authorities initially released a wanted poster and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Reyna’s arrest.
“This guy has just been identified,” Bondi said. “And he has been identified by the great police work by the FBI. You can run, you can’t hide.”
The FBI has warned the public that Reyna should be considered armed and dangerous.
Tough Federal Stance
In response to rising tensions between protesters and law enforcement, federal officials are taking a hardline approach. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed Reyna’s identity and the charges against him, while FBI Director Kash Patel issued a strong statement reinforcing federal support for law enforcement.
“If you assault a law enforcement officer, you’re going to jail — period,” Patel said Saturday night. “It doesn’t matter where you came from, how you got here, or what cause you claim to represent.”
Bondi, echoing the administration’s position, emphasized that federal charges under the Hobbs Act and other statutes will be used against those who attack officers, loot businesses, or commit other acts of violence during civil unrest.
“If you spit on a federal law enforcement officer, we are going to charge you with a crime federally. You’re looking at up to five years maximum in prison,” Bondi warned. “As President Trump said: ‘You spit, we hit.’”
Legal and Civic Implications
Reyna’s case is likely to become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over protest policing, federal enforcement powers, and First Amendment rights. While peaceful demonstrations over immigration raids have been documented across Los Angeles and beyond, federal officials insist that violence against officers will not be tolerated.
Bondi also signaled that more arrests could follow. “We are coming after you federally,” she said. “If you assault a police officer, if you rob a store, if you loot, if you spit on police officers — we’re coming after you.”
What’s Next
The FBI has not yet confirmed Reyna’s arrest as of Monday evening but said the investigation is ongoing. Federal prosecutors are expected to pursue felony charges related to assaulting a federal officer and destruction of government property.
If you have any information on Elpidio Reyna’s whereabouts, contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office immediately at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Were you at the Paramount protest or have thoughts on how federal enforcement is being handled? Share your perspective in the comments below.