A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice for a local group opposing ICE operations, recently made statements that seemed to support armed resistance against immigration authorities. This came soon after a shooting incident involving a federal agent and an undocumented immigrant.
Ron Gochez, who teaches at Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School and represents Unión del Barrio, addressed the media on Tuesday, where he strongly criticized the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
“Remember your location; this is South Central Los Angeles,” Gochez stated. “ICE isn’t the only group with firearms here. I’m not inciting violence, but people have every right to protect themselves from unidentified, armed individuals.”
The call for self-defense followed an incident earlier that day, where an undocumented immigrant was reportedly shot after allegedly attempting to attack federal agents.
Gochez further asserted, “Defending oneself isn’t an act of violence; it’s an act of intelligence.”
Efforts to reach Gochez, as well as representatives from Unión del Barrio, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have been made by Fox News Digital for further comments.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Unified School District told Fox News Digital that it “unequivocally condemns violence of any kind.”
“In honoring the first amendment rights of all, we encourage respectful social discourse so that all viewpoints can be safely expressed,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Our schools are committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all students, staff, and families. The District is aware of this matter and will take appropriate action.”
California officials have pushed to block authorities from wearing masks during immigration enforcement operations. In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to ban state and federal law enforcement from wearing masks on the job, a move the Trump administration decried as illegal and vowed to ignore.
The bill takes effect in January.
Gochez’s remarks came hours after a U.S. marshal and an illegal immigrant were shot during an enforcement operation.
The suspect, identified as Carlitos Ricardo Parias, 44, of Mexico, allegedly rammed his vehicle into federal vehicles before agents opened fire. One federal agent was struck in the hand, and Parias was hit in the elbow. Both were struck by bullets fired by a federal agent, authorities said.
A view near where a U.S. marshal and illegal alien were shot Tuesday in Los Angeles. (KTTV)
Federal prosecutors said Parias used a Toyota Camry to strike law enforcement vehicles in front of and behind him, spinning his tires and fishtailing in an attempt to escape, prompting concerns for officer safety. Parias is also known as “Richard L.A.,” a TikTok influencer, Fox Los Angeles reported.
He and the injured law enforcement officer were taken to a hospital. Protesters were seen shouting at hospital staffers as both were being treated for their injuries.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blamed officials in sanctuary jurisdictions for brazen attacks against immigration authorities in recent months.
“These are the consequences of conduct and rhetoric by sanctuary politicians and activists who urge illegal aliens to resist arrest. Resisting arrest puts the safety of illegal aliens, law enforcement and the public at risk,” she said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Our law enforcement officers are facing a more than 1,000% increase in assaults against them, including vehicle rammings by illegal aliens,” she added. “We are once again calling on sanctuary politicians, agitators and the media to turn the temperature down and stop calling for violence and resistance against ICE law enforcement.”
During Tuesday’s news conference, Gochez accused federal authorities of using “brutal violence” and “repression” against immigrant communities in Los Angeles.
“It’s not enough for them to kidnap our people. Now, we are seeing on multiple occasions … that they are shooing us with live rounds,” he said.
In March, Gochez was named the winner of the Cesar E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta “Si Se Puede” Human Rights Award by the California Teachers Association.
“He has been a steadfast advocate of immigrant families, taking bold steps to shield his community from the threat of ICE raids,” the CTA said in a news release at the time. “Gochez excels in promoting solidarity among Black and Brown communities, recognizing their shared struggles. Through community engagement initiatives, he cultivates understanding and respect, empowering students to celebrate differences while uniting for common goals.”
