Illegal immigrant allegedly rammed law enforcement during arrest attempt in Compton California, DHS says

January 21 2026 COMPTON, Los Angeles : The Department of Homeland Security said an illegal immigrant allegedly used a vehicle to ram CBP law enforcement officers during an attempted arrest in California, prompting an agent to fire his weapon.

According to DHS, the incident occurred Wednesday just after 7 a.m. in Compton as officers were conducting what the agency described as “a targeted operation” to arrest William Eduardo Moran Carballo.
DHS said Carballo was not struck by gunfire but attempted to flee the scene and was later arrested. The agency also confirmed that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was injured during the incident.

In a statement posted on social media, DHS said Carballo “weaponized his vehicle and rammed law enforcement,” adding that an agent fired “defensive shots” out of fear for his life and safety.

DHS described Carballo as “a violent criminal illegal alien from El Salvador” and said he is allegedly involved in a human smuggling operation. The agency said he has two prior arrests for “inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.”

“These dangerous attempts to evade arrest have surged since sanctuary politicians, including Governor [Gavin] Newsom, have encouraged illegal aliens to evade arrest and provided guides advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest,” DHS said, adding that the “situation is evolving, and more information is forthcoming.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the incident during a media briefing, stating that officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are facing a “3,200% increase in vehicle rammings,” an “8,000% increase in death threats,” and a “1,200% increase in assaults.”

“Let me be clear, President Trump and his entire administration stand fully behind the heroic men and women of ICE, and will always uphold Law and Order in the United States of America,” Leavitt said.