A federal grand jury has indicted Jacob Daniel Terrazas, 30, of Paramount, on a charge of assaulting a federal employee with a deadly and dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury. The indictment relates to an incident that occurred during a protest on June 7 near a Homeland Security Investigations facility in Paramount, which escalated into violence.
According to court documents, Terrazas was among several individuals who threw hard objects such as cinderblocks and rocks at federal agents during the protest. He allegedly used both makeshift shields and nearby trees for cover and repeatedly approached agents to throw pieces of cinderblock. One Border Patrol agent was injured when struck in the left shin by debris thrown by Terrazas. The agent suffered bleeding but returned to duty after treating his injury. Another agent was hit by rocks but was not injured.
Terrazas reportedly wore a dark beanie and black mask over the lower half of his face during the three-hour confrontation. Law enforcement responded with less-lethal force, including pepper balls, before detaining and arresting him.
“We will not stand by while our brave federal agents and officers get hurt,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “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 indictment against Terrazas contains allegations only; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Mackie and Brenda Galván are prosecuting.
Terrazas is scheduled for trial on September 23.
