A California rioter wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for throwing rocks at federal agents during the Los Angeles immigration protests gave himself up at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Elpidio Reyna, 40, a U.S. citizen from Compton, surrendered Wednesday. He faces a felony charge of assault on a federal officer for throwing rocks at passing law enforcement vehicles in California.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest on X, writing:
ARRESTED: Elpidio Reyna surrendered today at the U.S.-Mexico border to face a felony charge of assault on a federal officer for throwing rocks at passing law enforcement vehicles in Paramount on June 7.
He was taken into custody by a U.S. Border Patrol officer who was inside… pic.twitter.com/9ExZPnEAPT
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) July 23, 2025
“He was taken into custody by a U.S. Border Patrol officer who was inside one of the vehicles damaged in the attack — a brave law enforcement officer who could have been killed in last month’s dangerous and reckless attack. I thank @FBILosAngeles, @CBP, and @USBPChiefELC for their efforts to track down this dangerous felon.”
Reyna landed on the FBI’s Most Wanted List after the brazen assault on federal officers and vehicles in Paramount, California, on June 7, as anti-ICE riots erupted in Los Angeles following an immigration raid in the fashion district on June 6.
Reyna was captured on video throwing rocks at the windshields of moving Border Patrol vehicles in Los Angeles. Protestors and rioters clashed with police and caused damage throughout the downtown area and other locations for several weeks.
Reyna reportedly fled to Mexico after the alleged assault, ABC 7 Los Angeles reported. The FBI released images of the suspect and asked for the public’s help. The publicity led to Reyna’s arrest in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.
After negotiating his surrender, Reyna was taken into custody at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego County by FBI agents, with assistance from U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Essayli, Fox News Digital and other outlets showed footage of his arrest and the video that made him a wanted man.
“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,” Essayli added on X.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a statement on June 11, announcing the FBI was offering up to a $50,000 reward for information leading to Reyna’s arrest.
On June 7, Border Patrol had set up a staging area when they were confronted by protesters. Agitators then hurled concrete blocks and glass bottles toward authorities, who fired back with tear gas, LiveNOW from FOX reported.
A video of the attack shows a man wearing a motorcycle helmet grabbing several large rocks and hurling them at Border Patrol vehicles as they pass by on Alondra Boulevard.
According to LiveNOW, the FBI used social media videos and a FOX 11 news report to identify the rock thrower as Reyna. One federal officer was injured and several government vehicles were damaged.
Commenting on the arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel said on X:
If you harm a law enforcement officer, we will find you and hold you accountable.
The FBI will never tolerate violence against those who serve and protect this country. pic.twitter.com/ACnkkSUacP
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) July 24, 2025
“If you harm a law enforcement officer, we will find you and hold you accountable. The FBI will never tolerate violence against those who serve and protect this country.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also chimed in, adding on X: “More to come. Those who attack America’s police officers can run but they can’t hide.”
UPDATE:
You may remember Elpidio Reyna, a subject who allegedly threw rocks at federal officers during immigration operations in California June 7.
We got him.
He was arrested today at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Well done @FBILosAngeles @CBP and all federal partners.
More to… pic.twitter.com/zt0BP4Mkgb
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) July 23, 2025
Reyna’s criminal history includes arrests for felony burglary, felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, felony using or selling marijuana to a minor, DUI, and multiple counts of driving with a suspended license, according to DHS.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin also issued a stern warning to the LA rioters at the time of Reyna’s FBI manhunt release: “You will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Reyna made his initial appearance in federal court Wednesday and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
