California Man Faces Federal Charges After Confronting Immigration Agents at Walmart

Pico Rivera, California – A 20-year-old U.S. citizen, Adrian Martinez, is facing a serious federal charge after an encounter with immigration enforcement officers in a Walmart parking lot. Martinez was arrested after intervening in an operation targeting an elderly maintenance worker. According to Martinez, he was on his break when he witnessed federal agents pursuing the maintenance man. He stated, "You know, that's not right. What are you guys doing? Like, leave that poor man alone." Video footage shows Martinez moving the maintenance man's cart in front of a federal agent's truck. Martinez alleges that agents then turned their attention to him, saying "get him," and subsequently pushed him to the floor, yanking him by the neck. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that Martinez punched a Border Patrol officer in the face, though no assault charges were filed for this alleged act. Instead, Martinez was charged with conspiracy to impede a federal officer. His attorney, Chris Miller, asserts that Martinez's actions were solely aimed at protecting an elderly man who was "scared and running for his life." After spending three days in jail in downtown Los Angeles, Martinez maintains he has no regrets about his actions.