Key Takeaways
• Adrian Andrew Martinez was arrested by ICE at Pico Rivera Walmart on June 26, 2025, describing it as a kidnapping.
• Immigration agents use unmarked vehicles and plainclothes tactics to detain immigrants immediately after court appearances.
• LAPD denies direct ICE cooperation but assists with crowd control during immigration-related incidents.
On June 26, 2025, a dramatic incident unfolded in Pico Rivera, L.A. County, when immigration agents arrested Adrian Andrew Martinez at a local Walmart. Martinez later described the experience as being “basically kidnapped,” a statement that quickly drew public attention and sparked debate about immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles County. This event, along with similar recent arrests, has raised pressing questions about the methods used by immigration agents, the role of local law enforcement, and the broader impact on immigrant communities.
What Happened: The Arrest of Adrian Andrew Martinez
According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, immigration agents arrested Adrian Andrew Martinez during an operation at a Walmart in Pico Rivera, L.A. County. During the arrest, Martinez allegedly punched one of the immigration agents. He was taken into federal custody but later released. A video of Martinez surfaced soon after, in which he stated, “They basically kidnapped me,” highlighting his shock and the suddenness of the arrest.
This incident is not isolated. Just a day earlier, on June 25, 2025, immigration agents arrested Adriana Bernal, 37, outside the Airport Courthouse on La Cienega Boulevard in West Los Angeles. Bernal had just attended a local criminal hearing. ICE agents, dressed in all-black clothing and using unmarked vehicles, handcuffed her and took her away without notifying her defense attorneys or family. The L.A. County Alternate Public Defender’s Office expressed alarm at the lack of communication and the surprise nature of the arrest.
Why These Arrests Matter: Public Outcry and Policy Debate
The arrest of Adrian Andrew Martinez and others in L.A. County has become a flashpoint for several reasons:
- Sudden and Forceful Tactics: Martinez’s claim that he was “basically kidnapped” reflects a growing concern about the aggressive and secretive methods used by immigration agents.
- Lack of Transparency: The arrest of Adriana Bernal without prior notice to her legal team or family has raised questions about due process and the rights of individuals facing immigration enforcement.
- Community Fear: These actions have caused distress and fear among immigrant communities, making people worry about their safety and legal rights.
Immigrant rights activists, including groups like Unión del Barrio and the Community Self-Defense Coalition, have protested these tactics. They accuse federal agents of acting like “masked kidnappers” and criticize the use of unmarked vehicles and civilian clothing, which can make it hard for bystanders to know who is making the arrest.
The Role of Local Law Enforcement: LAPD’s Involvement
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has also come under scrutiny. On June 25, 2025, as ICE agents conducted raids in downtown Los Angeles, activists accused the LAPD of helping federal agents detain individuals. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell denied that his officers were directly involved in the raids. He explained that LAPD officers only responded to a 911 call about a possible kidnapping and provided crowd control. LAPD clarified that its officers did not make any arrests themselves.
Still, the presence of local police at the scene of immigration arrests has complicated the relationship between law enforcement and immigrant communities. Many residents fear that any contact with police could lead to immigration consequences, even if LAPD claims to limit its cooperation with federal immigration agents.
How These Arrests Are Carried Out: Step-by-Step
Recent reports and eyewitness accounts reveal a pattern in how immigration agents conduct these operations:
1. Target Identification: ICE agents identify individuals who are subject to immigration enforcement. Sometimes, they focus on people who have just appeared in local criminal courts.
2. Surveillance: Agents, often in plain clothes and using unmarked vehicles, wait near courthouses or public places.
3. Detention: When the targeted person leaves the court or public area, agents detain them without warning. Defense attorneys and family members are usually not notified in advance.
4. Transport: The detained individuals are handcuffed and taken away in dark-colored SUVs or similar vehicles.
5. Local Police Response: If bystanders call 911, local police may arrive, but they typically claim their role is limited to crowd control or responding to reports of suspicious activity.
This approach, especially the use of unmarked vehicles and plainclothes agents, has led to confusion and even panic among the public. Some people have mistaken these arrests for actual kidnappings, prompting emergency calls and further complicating the situation.
Policy Context: Why Are These Tactics Being Used?
The recent arrests in L.A. County are part of a broader increase in immigration enforcement under the current federal administration. ICE has stepped up its activities in Southern California, including in areas with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
One of the most controversial tactics is arresting individuals immediately after court appearances. Legal advocates argue that this method undermines the fairness of the judicial process. When someone is arrested right after a court hearing, they may not have a chance to speak with their lawyer, arrange for family support, or prepare for what comes next. This can make it much harder for people to defend themselves or understand their rights.
According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, these enforcement strategies are designed to catch individuals when they are most accessible, but they also risk violating basic principles of due process and transparency.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from All Sides
Adrian Andrew Martinez
Martinez’s statement, “They basically kidnapped me,” has become a rallying cry for those who feel that immigration agents are using excessive force and secrecy. His experience highlights the fear and confusion that can result from these tactics.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli
Essayli confirmed Martinez’s arrest and the allegation that Martinez punched an immigration agent. He has not commented on the broader concerns about the methods used by ICE.
L.A. County Alternate Public Defender’s Office
Jennifer Cheng, a spokesperson for the office, condemned the arrest of Adriana Bernal as “blindsiding.” She stressed that there was no prior notice, which left the legal team unable to advise or support their client.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell
Chief McDonnell has repeatedly denied that LAPD is working directly with ICE on these operations. He insists that LAPD’s role is limited to public safety and crowd control, not immigration enforcement.
Immigrant Rights Activists
Groups like Unión del Barrio and the Community Self-Defense Coalition have organized protests and called for an end to what they describe as “masked kidnappings.” They argue that these tactics are meant to scare immigrant communities and discourage people from seeking legal help or attending court.
The Bigger Picture: Historical and Legal Background
Immigration enforcement in Los Angeles has long been a source of tension. The city has adopted sanctuary policies to protect immigrants and limit cooperation with federal authorities. However, federal administrations have differed in their approach, with the current administration increasing ICE operations even in sanctuary areas.
The tactic of arresting people immediately after court appearances is new in 2025. Legal experts say it raises serious questions about defendants’ rights and the fairness of the legal process. When people fear arrest at the courthouse, they may avoid attending hearings, which can lead to missed court dates and further legal trouble.
Implications for Immigrants, Families, and the Community
The recent actions by immigration agents in L.A. County have several practical effects:
- Fear and Distrust: Many immigrants now fear going to court, even for minor matters, because they worry about being arrested by immigration agents.
- Legal Challenges: Defense attorneys are often caught off guard, making it harder to provide effective legal help.
- Family Impact: Sudden arrests can leave families without warning, causing emotional distress and practical problems, such as arranging childcare or managing finances.
- Community Relations: The perception that local police may be involved, even indirectly, can erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
These effects are not limited to those directly targeted by immigration agents. The broader community feels the impact, as fear spreads and people become less willing to cooperate with authorities or seek help when needed.
Calls for Change: What Advocates and Officials Want
In response to these incidents, advocates and some local officials are calling for several changes:
- Greater Transparency: Clear rules and notification protocols so that defense attorneys and families are informed before an arrest takes place.
- Limits on Courthouse Arrests: Some are pushing for laws or policies that would prevent immigration agents from making arrests at or near courthouses.
- Clarification of Police Roles: Community leaders want clear boundaries between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents to protect trust and cooperation.
- Support for Immigrants: Legal aid organizations and advocacy groups are stepping up efforts to educate immigrants about their rights and provide emergency support.
What’s Next: The Future of Immigration Enforcement in L.A. County
Given the public outcry and ongoing protests, it is likely that these enforcement tactics will face increased scrutiny. Legal challenges may arise, and local officials could push for reforms to protect the rights of individuals facing immigration enforcement.
Monitoring of LAPD’s role will continue, with community groups demanding clear policies that separate local policing from federal immigration actions. The debate over how best to balance public safety, immigration enforcement, and community trust is far from over.
Resources for Those Affected
If you or someone you know is facing immigration enforcement or has questions about legal rights, several resources are available:
- L.A. County Alternate Public Defender’s Office: Offers legal assistance for those involved in court and immigration matters.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): The official ICE website provides information on immigration enforcement policies and procedures.
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD): The public information office can answer questions about law enforcement involvement.
- Immigrant Rights Organizations: Groups like Unión del Barrio and the Community Self-Defense Coalition offer advocacy, support, and know-your-rights workshops.
Practical Guidance: What to Do If Approached by Immigration Agents
If you are approached by immigration agents in L.A. County or elsewhere, keep these steps in mind:
- Stay Calm: Do not run or resist. Remain calm and polite.
- Ask for Identification: You have the right to ask for the agents’ names and to see their badges.
- Do Not Answer Questions Without a Lawyer: You have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions.
- Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents without first consulting a lawyer.
- Contact Family or Legal Help: If possible, let someone know where you are and what is happening.
For more information about your rights during encounters with immigration agents, you can visit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Know Your Rights page.
Conclusion: A Community on Edge
The arrest of Adrian Andrew Martinez by immigration agents in L.A. County has brought national attention to the methods used in immigration enforcement. Martinez’s claim that he was “basically kidnapped” reflects the fear and confusion many feel in the current climate. As more stories emerge and public protests continue, the debate over immigration enforcement tactics, due process, and the role of local law enforcement is likely to intensify.
Stakeholders from all sides—immigrants, legal advocates, law enforcement, and policymakers—are grappling with how to ensure public safety while respecting the rights and dignity of all community members. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of immigration enforcement in Los Angeles County and beyond.
For those affected, staying informed and seeking legal support is essential. As reported by VisaVerge.com, understanding your rights and knowing where to turn for help can make a significant difference during these uncertain times.
Learn Today
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations in the U.S.
Unmarked vehicles → Vehicles without official police or agency markings used by agents to conduct covert operations.
Sanctuary policies → Local laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Due process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system before deprivation of rights.
Plainclothes agents → Law enforcement officers dressed in civilian clothing to avoid identification during operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 26, 2025, ICE arrested Adrian Andrew Martinez in Pico Rivera, sparking debate over aggressive immigration tactics and community safety concerns in Los Angeles County.
— By VisaVerge.com
