A man from Paramount faces a serious federal charge after an immigration enforcement protest he participated in escalated into violence against a Border Patrol officer. The Department of Justice reported that Jacob Daniel Terrazas, 30, has been indicted on one count of assault on a federal employee with a deadly and dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury.
During a protest near a Homeland Security Investigations facility in Paramount on June 7, Terrazas allegedly threw pieces of cinderblock at federal agents, according to the indictment. One such projectile struck an agent in the shin, causing bleeding and injury. Despite the wound, the agent returned to his position after a brief period of self-care. The clash lasted roughly three hours, with Terrazas and others utilizing rocks and makeshift shields to confront the authorities.
Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating, "If you injure an official enforcing immigration law, you may serve 20 years in a federal prison cell. It’s just not worth it." The officer injured by Terrazas was forced to retreat for treatment, but demonstrated resilience by rejoining the fray shortly after tending to his wound. Another agent was hit by rocks but did not sustain injuries.
Law enforcement responded to the agitators with less-lethal force, using pepper bells in an attempt to control the situation and eventually detained Terrazas. The man, who was masked and hooded during the confrontation, now faces legal repercussions that could lead to a maximum of 20 years in a federal facility if convicted. The trial is scheduled for September 23, a date set by the federal grand jury during their Tuesday indictment.
The investigation into Terrazas' actions is being managed by Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Mackie and Brenda Galván of the General Crimes Section leading the prosecution. The indictment underscores the legal principle that an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Public Information Officer Ciaran McEvoy is the point of contact for further inquiries on the case. As of now, it is unclear what prompted Terrazas' alleged assault or what his defense might entail.
