Detenido en Adelanto aún con dolor meses después del disparo de ICE, la familia alega negligencia ● UPDATING

Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a 45-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico who has lived in the Los Angeles area for over two decades, was shot in the left elbow by federal agents during an immigration enforcement arrest in October. More than eight months later, he remains detained at the Adelanto Detention Center in California, suffering from chronic pain, headaches, fevers, and blurred vision, while his family and attorneys allege he is not receiving adequate medical care.

Parias was leaving his home in Los Angeles when federal officers blocked his vehicle and smashed the passenger-side window. Body camera footage shows officers yelling in Spanish and English, and within seconds, an officer opened fire.

Parias was struck near his left elbow, and a U.S. marshal was also hit by the same bullet.

He was taken to a hospital, then placed in federal criminal custody. In November, he was transferred to ICE custody under the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention for undocumented immigrants charged with certain offenses, including assault on a law enforcement officer.

Federal criminal charges against Parias were dismissed in December by U.S. District Judge Fernando Olgin, who cited inadequate access to legal representation.

The government is appealing that decision. Meanwhile, Parias remains in ICE detention without the possibility of bond, as immigration judges have determined they lack jurisdiction under the Laken Riley Act.

His attorney, Margaret Hellerstein, filed a habeas petition seeking his release, but that request has been pending since February.

Medical records reviewed by NPR show that Parias has reported persistent pain, decreased mobility, and radiating pain from his neck to his left hand. He has been prescribed only Motrin, gabapentin, and muscle rub cream.

Despite referrals for an orthopedic evaluation and physical therapy, no therapy was completed, and he was left in a sling for six months. DHS confirmed that Parias has seen a nurse and a doctor but has not provided the physical therapy his attorney says he needs.

Democratic Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents Parias's district, visited him at Adelanto and has pressed DHS for improved medical care. She said the agency has been responsive but has not provided the necessary treatment, including antibiotics, physical therapy, and pain management.

With Republicans controlling Congress, Democrats have limited oversight tools. Kamlager-Dove is looking to the upcoming midterm elections as a potential turning point.

Parias's 20-year-old son, Ulises, drives two hours every Saturday to visit his father. He has taken on the role of translator and family caretaker, fixing the car where his father was shot and supporting his 16-year-old sister.

He said he misses watching World Cup games with his father. "This is the first World Cup where I'm experiencing it alone.

And it feels wrong," he told NPR. "I'm hoping the next step is to get a call from the lawyer saying soon he will be with us again."