An incident unfolded in southern California on Wednesday when a federal agent discharged their weapon following a dramatic confrontation with a suspect. The suspect, an undocumented immigrant, allegedly used his car as a weapon against law enforcement while attempting to escape arrest, according to information provided to Fox News Digital by the Department of Homeland Security.

The confrontation occurred in Compton during a DHS-led operation aimed at capturing William Eduardo Moran Carballo, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador. Carballo is reportedly involved in human smuggling and has prior charges related to domestic violence. The operation was specifically targeted at apprehending this individual due to his criminal activities.

As Carballo attempted to avoid capture, he reportedly drove his vehicle into law enforcement officers, prompting one of the agents to fire in self-defense. “In fear for his life and safety,” the agent responded with gunfire, a DHS spokesperson explained to Fox News Digital.

Despite the gunfire, Carballo was not struck and tried to escape on foot. Law enforcement quickly apprehended him, ensuring that he was unharmed. However, a Customs and Border Protection officer sustained injuries during the incident.

The Department of Homeland Security described the situation as “evolving” and noted that an immigration judge had ordered Carballo’s removal from the United States back in 2019.

DHS also described the situation as “evolving” and said an immigration judge had issued Carballo a final order of removal in 2019. 

“These dangerous attempts to evade arrest have surged since sanctuary politicians, including Governor Newsom, have encouraged illegal aliens to evade arrest and provided guides advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest,” the DHS spokesperson said. “Our officers are now facing a 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks.”

A vehicle is seen damaged following the reported incident during a DHS operation on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Compton, Calif.  (KTTV)

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told Fox News Digital that it was aware of the incident, which happened in the 2400 block of 126th Street in unincorporated Los Angeles. 

A criminal illegal immigrant weaponized his vehicle against law enforcement, according to DHS.  (KTTV)

“At approximately 7:25 a.m. Century Station deputies were requested to provide outside perimeter traffic control. The Sheriff’s Department was not directly involved in the incident,” the department told Fox News Digital.