A Los Angeles tow truck driver is facing a federal charge after allegedly towing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle during an active immigration operation on August 15. If convicted, Bobby Nunez could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
According to a federal criminal complaint obtained by Fox News Digital, Nunez was seen laughing and filming while towing an ICE vehicle with emergency lights activated. ICE agents were in the process of arresting an undocumented immigrant, using their vehicles to box in the suspect and prevent escape.
During the chaos, Nunez reportedly used the passenger-side door of the suspect’s vehicle to strike an officer, escalating the seriousness of the incident. A viral video, posted by Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, shows agents scrambling as one officer chases the tow truck on foot while another arrests the immigrant.
“Apparently he thought it would be funny to interfere with our immigration enforcement operations. Now he can laugh behind bars while he faces justice,” Essayli posted on X. He added that Nunez could serve a decade in prison if convicted.
Videos shared on TikTok helped Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identify and locate Nunez. The complaint was approved by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Christensen.
The arrest comes amid heightened tensions between federal authorities and activists in Los Angeles. A judge recently issued an injunction ruling that the Trump administration had no legal authority to deploy the National Guard to counter anti-ICE protests in June.
California Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the ruling, writing on X:
“DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN. The courts agree — his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL.”
In response, Essayli countered:
“The military has never engaged in direct law enforcement operations here in LA. They protect our federal employees and properties so our agents can safely enforce federal laws.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, assaults on ICE agents have risen by 1000% compared to last year. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that despite growing threats, enforcement efforts continue daily:
“We will not and have not let this violence stop us or slow us down. Every day our law enforcement continues to arrest the most depraved criminals, including pedophiles, terrorists, murderers, gang members, and sexual predators.”
