Verdict Reached in Federal Case
A jury has found a South Los Angeles tow truck driver not guilty of federal charges related to an incident where he was accused of towing a government vehicle used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Bobby Nuñez, 33, faced charges of theft of government property that could have resulted in up to ten years of imprisonment. The jury delivered its not guilty verdict on Friday after deliberating for over three hours.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney's office said, "The trial lasted four days. The jury deliberated for more than three hours. We have no further comment."
Background of the Incident
The case stemmed from an August incident in downtown Los Angeles where federal immigration agents were conducting an operation targeting social media influencer Tatiana Martinez. According to authorities, Martinez was livestreaming the enforcement activity on TikTok to thousands of viewers.
During the arrest, Nuñez allegedly used his tow truck to remove one of the government vehicles from the scene. The U.S. Department of Justice released video footage in September showing the vehicle being taken.
Acting U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles Bilal "Bill" Essayli posted the video of the arrest to X, writing, "Apparently he thought it would be funny to interfere with our immigration enforcement operations. Now he can laugh behind bars while he faces justice."
Details of the Operation
According to official statements, law enforcement officers used two vehicles to block Martinez's car and prevent her escape. The government vehicles reportedly had their emergency lights activated during the operation.
During the arrest process, Nuñez reportedly pressed the passenger side door of Martinez's vehicle against an officer, who then threatened Martinez with arrest. After being informed of the situation, Nuñez allegedly stated, "Something was going to happen."
While officers were dealing with another individual accused of intervening, Nuñez allegedly entered his tow truck and removed one of the government vehicles. The keys were reportedly inside the vehicle, along with a firearm secured in a safe.
Martinez's attorney has suggested she was targeted specifically because she was using her social media platform, which had over 47,000 followers, to document and report ICE activities.
