HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

U.S. citizen detained at Walmart while helping detained worker, faces federal charges

Jun 22, 2025 · Pico Rivera, CA

U.S. citizen detained at Walmart while helping detained worker, faces federal charges

Adrian Martinez, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen and Walmart employee, was detained by federal agents on June 18, 2025, during an immigration enforcement operation at a Pico Rivera Walmart parking lot. When agents began detaining an elderly maintenance worker, Martinez intervened by blocking the agents' vehicle with the worker's cart in an attempt to help. Agents shoved him to the ground twice. Federal officials initially claimed Martinez punched agents, but security camera footage from the store showed no punches were thrown and that agents initiated the physical contact. Martinez was charged with conspiracy to impede or injure an officer, a felony, rather than assault. He spent three nights in jail following his arrest. A federal judge ordered his release on a $5,000 bond.

Timeline

Jun 22, 2025Martinez charged with conspiracy to impede a federal officer; assault charges not filed
Jun 21, 2025Federal judge ordered Martinez's release on $5,000 bond following hearing
Jun 18, 2025Adrian Martinez detained by federal agents at Pico Rivera Walmart while intervening to help detained maintenance worker; agents shoved him to ground; he was arrested and spent three nights in jail
Jun 18, 2025Federal officials claimed Martinez punched agents; security camera footage showed agents initiated physical contact with no punches thrown

Sources

More incidents in California