Immigration agents “intentionally” rammed the vehicle of activist and U.S. citizen Leonardo Martinez, who was supervising an operation in Oxnard, according to police in this Southern California city.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, when Martinez, a member of the group VC Defensa, was observing an operation by agents in the city, located northwest of Los Angeles, home to a large community of farmworkers.
Immigration agents crash Leonardo Martinez’s car
On October 16, 2025, at 8:50 AM, ICE agents detained Leo Martinez, a local anti-ICE activist, in Oxnard, California. pic.twitter.com/J2Xhs2ygVO
– Cartel Watch (@CartelWatchNet) October 16, 2025
A video taken by witnesses shows how an unmarked van, allegedly driven by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration agent, rammed the rear of Martinez’s vehicle at least twice, causing severe damage.
The activist was eventually stopped in a parking lot where he was detained by federal agents and taken to the federal immigration building in Los Angeles.
“Federal authorities stated that the traffic accident was intentional and therefore falls under their jurisdiction,” the Oxnard Police Department wrote in a Facebook post following an outcry from residents.
VC Defense said in a statement that Martinez was exercising his right to document Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
“This shameful escalation by ICE is nothing more than an attempt to intimidate those who conscientiously oppose Trump’s attacks on immigrants. We will not be deterred and will continue to protect all our communities,” the organization added.
Martinez was released overnight on pending federal charges.
The activist told the local ABC channel that he will continue to monitor immigration operations in his area, which have already caused the death of a migrant worker who fell from a roof while trying to hide from agents during a raid in Oxnard.
It is unclear who will pay for the damage caused to Martinez’s vehicle and his medical care.
The use of excessive force by DHS agents has already generated multiple lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration.
For its part, DHS said in a statement earlier this month that “anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties, including U.S. citizens, will of course face consequences including arrest.”
With information from EFE
