A brazen act of defiance during an immigration raid has landed a Los Angeles tow truck operator in federal custody with serious criminal charges.

According to the Daily Mail, Bobby Nunez, 33, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly stealing a government vehicle belonging to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during their attempt to apprehend TikTok influencer Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez at a South Los Angeles apartment complex. The incident, which occurred on August 15, was partially captured on video and later shared on social media.

The confrontation began when ICE agents blocked Mafla-Martinez's Tesla with two black SUVs in the parking structure of an upscale apartment complex. Agents were attempting to take the Colombian national into custody following a DUI conviction.

Dramatic Confrontation Leads to Vehicle Theft

Nunez initially interfered with the arrest by pressing the passenger door of Mafla-Martinez's vehicle against an officer, prompting warnings of arrest from authorities. The situation escalated when Nunez allegedly threatened the officers, telling them "something was going to happen."

When agents turned their attention to another approaching individual, Nunez seized the opportunity to hook one of their government vehicles to his tow truck. The theft occurred while ICE agents were struggling to subdue Mafla-Martinez on the ground.

Video footage showed an agent unsuccessfully chasing after the vehicle as it was being towed away on Temple Street. The government vehicle, which contained keys and a firearm secured in a safe, was later recovered approximately two blocks from the scene.

Social Media Evidence Seals Criminal Case

Federal investigators discovered incriminating evidence on TikTok showing Nunez laughing while recording the pursuing agent from inside his truck. The video became a crucial piece of evidence in building the criminal case against him.

Authorities located Nunez's tow truck parked at the same apartment complex the following day, leading to his eventual arrest. Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli announced the charges on social media platform X, stating that Nunez would face justice for his actions.

If convicted of theft of government property, Nunez could face up to 10 years in federal prison. The severity of the charges reflects the serious nature of interfering with federal law enforcement operations.

Immigration Raid Sparks Broader Controversy

The incident occurred during a chaotic immigration enforcement operation targeting Mafla-Martinez, who had gained notoriety for documenting immigration raids on social media. The TikTok influencer livestreamed her own arrest as agents forcibly removed her from her vehicle.

Assistant Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that Mafla-Martinez had entered the country in 2022 and was released under Biden administration policies. The Colombian national was taken into custody pending removal proceedings after receiving medical attention for reported breathing difficulties.

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles. The brazen theft of a federal vehicle during an active operation has drawn attention to the risks faced by immigration officers.

Why This Story Matters

This incident raises significant concerns about public interference in federal law enforcement actions. It highlights the increasing challenge ICE agents face during routine operations in areas with high civilian activity and potential social media exposure. Most importantly, it reinforces the need for community understanding of lawful boundaries and personal safety when interacting with or observing federal operations.

Conclusion

On August 15, at a South Los Angeles apartment complex, 33-year-old tow truck driver Bobby Nunez allegedly disrupted an ICE operation by towing away a government vehicle during the arrest of undocumented immigrant and influencer Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez.

While ICE agents attempted to detain Mafla-Martinez for a prior DUI conviction, Nunez reportedly interfered by using his tow truck to remove one of their SUVs, which contained both keys and a secured firearm. Authorities later found the vehicle nearby and arrested Nunez on charges of government property theft, carrying up to 10 years in prison. Meanwhile, Mafla-Martinez, who livestreamed her arrest, remains in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.