A brazen stunt during an immigration operation turned into handcuffs fast. A California tow truck driver allegedly hooked up an Immigration and Customs Enforcement SUV — emergency lights on — and hauled it away while agents were making an arrest nearby.
“Bobby Nunez is now under arrest for brazenly towing an ICE vehicle,” Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli wrote in a post on social media. “He is charged with theft of government property.” Prosecutors released video showing an ICE agent running after the wrecker as it pulled off, and another clip of the driver being walked away in cuffs.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by Breitbart Texas, an ICE officer saw the driver laughing and recording the officer on his phone as the agent tried to chase down the tow truck. The first video shows agents in the middle of arresting a suspected illegal alien, Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, as the ICE SUV is hauled off. The second shows the tow operator under arrest moments later.
“Apparently, he thought it would be funny to interfere with our immigration enforcement operations,” the acting U.S. Attorney stated. “Now he can laugh behind bars while he faces justice. Nunez is looking at up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office said two videos were posted on X to make the facts clear.
Nunez, a U.S. citizen, faces a federal felony charge of theft of government property under 18 U.S.C. § 641. If convicted, the statute carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in federal prison. The case underscores that government vehicles and gear are not fair game — especially in the middle of an enforcement action.
This incident also shows what law and order looks like when immigration agents and federal prosecutors have the backing to act. ICE was conducting an operation, officers responded immediately, and prosecutors moved to secure a criminal complaint. Actions have consequences, and public safety comes first.
The facts are straightforward and on video: an ICE vehicle with its emergency lights operating was towed away during an arrest; an ICE agent gave chase; the suspect was arrested and led away by a federal agent. The government alleges the driver mocked officers while recording, which only adds to the brazenness of the act.
Essayli’s message left no doubt about the stakes. “He is charged with theft of government property.” And the warning followed: “Now he can laugh behind bars while he faces justice.” That’s the tone Americans expect when federal operations are disrupted — firm, fast, and focused on the rule of law.
Border enforcement requires serious people doing serious work. Interfering with federal operations is not a prank; it’s a crime. When prosecutors draw a hard line and agents stay on mission, communities are safer and the law is respected.
Conservatives know that backing ICE and DOJ against chaos is the right path. Keep the focus on enforcement, deliver swift consequences, and make clear that no one gets to play games with federal property or public safety. Hold the line, support the officers, and keep America secure.