A tow truck driver who was seen laughing while towing an ice car has been arrested after interfering with federal agents during an attempted apprehension in downtown Los Angeles.
Bobby Nunez, 33, was taken into custody on Tuesday following an incident on August 15. He got involved while agents were trying to arrest 23-year-old Tatiana Mafra Martinez, a Colombian undocumented immigrant. This led to federal criminal charges.
As federal agents boxed in Martinez’s Tesla with two marked SUVs to prevent her escape, Nunez allegedly interfered.
Reports indicate that as officers attempted to secure an arrest on Mafra Martinez, Nunez approached and tried to open the passenger door of the car.
When warned he was obstructing a federal investigation, Nunez retaliated with a threat, suggesting that “something is going to happen.”
At the same time, another person approached Martinez’s vehicle, diverting the officers’ attention.
Seizing that chance, Nunez reportedly got into his towing truck and took one of the government vehicles that were blocking Martinez’s Tesla.
The complaint noted that during this interference, the government vehicle had classified materials inside, including locked firearms.
According to sources, Nunez filmed himself towing away the government vehicle while laughing, and shared it on social media.
Footage later circulated showing agents attempting to detain illegal immigrants, which included a tense moment with a fleeing tow truck.
The stolen government vehicle was discovered just a couple of blocks away later on.
A Homeland Security investigation eventually led to agents tracking Nunez through his social media posts.
His tow truck was located in the upscale area near his LA apartment two days after the incident.
Authorities suggested that he thought it would be entertaining to disrupt immigration enforcement efforts.
Nunez now faces theft charges for the government’s property.
If found guilty, he could spend up to 10 years in federal prison.
Mafra Martinez, who crossed the southern border illegally in 2022, had previously been released but was later taken to a federal detention center in Calexico, near the border.
Her attorney stated that she aimed to document ICE operations for her substantial social media following of over 47,000 users.
“She didn’t want to come out because they were masked individuals claiming they had a warrant. She requested to see it, but they showed nothing,” her attorney explained.
