California Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal Officer During Protest

Elpidio Reyna, previously on FBI's most wanted list, admitted to throwing rocks at government vehicles, injuring a Customs and Border Protection officer.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Elpidio Reyna, a 41-year-old Compton man who was previously on the FBI's most wanted list, pleaded guilty to assaulting and injuring a federal officer during an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Paramount, California last year. Reyna admitted to throwing rocks at a convoy of government vehicles, with one rock shattering the window of a vehicle and cutting the forehead of a Customs and Border Protection officer.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters over immigration enforcement, with some protesters resorting to violence that can lead to serious injuries. It also underscores the consequences that individuals can face for assaulting federal officers, even during protests.

The details

According to the plea agreement, on June 7, 2025, Reyna and others began throwing rocks at officers' vehicles, lighting objects on fire, and impeding law enforcement activity during a protest outside the Paramount Business Center, which houses Homeland Security Investigation offices. Reyna admitted to throwing a rock that shattered the glass of a vehicle and injured a CBP officer. Reyna was later identified from videos posted on his TikTok account and was arrested after fleeing to Mexico.

  • On June 7, 2025, Reyna participated in the protest in Paramount.
  • On June 11, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced a $50,000 reward to locate Reyna, who was on the FBI's most wanted list.
  • In July 2025, Reyna was taken into custody in Mexico and arrested at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
  • On February 17, 2026, Reyna pleaded guilty to a felony count of assault on a federal officer.
  • In August 2026, Reyna will be sentenced and faces up to 20 years in prison.

The players

Elpidio Reyna

A 41-year-old Compton man who was previously on the FBI's most wanted list and pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer during a protest in Paramount, California.

R.T.

A Customs and Border Protection officer who was injured when a rock thrown by Reyna shattered the window of the vehicle he was in, cutting his forehead.

Bill Essayli

The First Assistant United States Attorney who stated that violence against law enforcement will be met with swift justice.

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What they’re saying

“This defendant could have easily killed a federal officer or innocent bystander. As he found out the hard way, violence against law enforcement is not constitutionally protected and will be met with swift justice. Those who engage in similar violence will be arrested, charged, and eventually convicted in a court of law.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant United States Attorney (latimes.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Reyna's sentence in August 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters over immigration enforcement, with some protesters resorting to violence that can lead to serious injuries. It also underscores the consequences that individuals can face for assaulting federal officers, even during protests.