ICE Arrests Influencer Tatiana Martinez During Live Stream
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A Colombian immigrant TikTok influencer was detained by immigration agents after a confrontation outside her Los Angeles residence that unfolded live on social media.
Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was apprehended by federal authorities while streaming on TikTok from her Tesla on Friday, August 15, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek that Martinez was arrested because of a prior DUI conviction in Los Angeles.
Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was apprehended by federal authorities on Friday, August 15, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was apprehended by federal authorities on Friday, August 15, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Why It Matters
Immigration authorities have been under heightened scrutiny amid allegations of misconduct, with the agency at the center of the national debate over immigration policy. That spotlight has widened since President Donald Trump ordered a ramp-up in arrests to fulfill his pledge of mass deportations, prompting renewed questions about the legality and human impact of ICE's enforcement practices. The widespread deportation efforts have attracted resistance from immigrant rights advocates.
What To Know
Martinez—who entered the U.S. in 2022, according to DHS—posts under the handle @tatianamartinez_02. She has gained attention for documenting ICE operations, sharing "know your rights" guidance, and offering commentary on immigration enforcement.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show Martinez seated in a Tesla when federal agents approached, opened the driver's side door, and pulled her onto the pavement. The video shows her being restrained face down with a covering placed over her head, and observers can be heard calling for medical assistance before she appears motionless.
McLaughlin added that the arrest was further complicated when "an individual unlawfully towed a government police vehicle."
Footage on social media shows a federal agent running after a vehicle after the tow truck removes the car.
"He mocked and videotaped ICE officers chasing after him. Secretary Noem has been clear: Anyone who seeks to impede law enforcement will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," McLaughlin said.
Following the incident, Martinez was transported to White Memorial Hospital and subsequently transferred to a downtown detention center, according to L.A. Taco.
McLaughlin said Martinez reported shortness of breath during her arrest and was given medical treatment.
The influencer, who has amassed more than 37,000 followers on TikTok, has been actively creating content that documents immigration enforcement since Trump directed his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status.
DHS has claimed that ICE agents are facing a 1000 percent increase in assaults against them; however, the agency has not provided any detailed breakdowns of the allegations.
What People Are Saying
Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: "On August 15, ICE arrested Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia who was convicted for driving under the influence in Los Angeles. This criminal illegal alien entered the country in 2022 and was RELEASED by the Biden administration. During her arrest, Martinez claimed to experience shortness of breath. She was given proper medical treatment and will be held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings."
The Sidewalk School, an immigrant rights group, wrote in a post on Instagram: "She was pulled screaming from her Tesla, later taken by ambulance to the hospital."
David Earl Williams III, a Democrat, wrote on Facebook: "ICE violently arrested activist-journalist Tatiana Martinez in LA, slamming her to the ground on livestream. After a brief hospital release, she was taken back into custody. In a wild twist, one of ICE's SUVs was towed mid-arrest—turning their crackdown into a symbol of resistance."
What Happens Next
Martinez will remain in ICE custody pending further removal proceedings.
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ICE Arrests Influencer Tatiana Martinez During Live Stream
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Colombian immigrant TikTok influencer was detained by immigration agents after a confrontation outside her Los Angeles residence that unfolded live on social media. Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was apprehended by federal authorities while streaming on TikTok from her Tesla on Friday, August 15, according to the Department of Homeland Security. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek that Martinez was arrested because of a prior DUI conviction in Los Angeles. Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was apprehended by federal authorities on Friday, August 15, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was apprehended by federal authorities on Friday, August 15, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Twitter Why It Matters Immigration authorities have been under heightened scrutiny amid allegations of misconduct, with the agency at the center of the national debate over immigration policy. That spotlight has widened since President Donald Trump ordered a ramp-up in arrests to fulfill his pledge of mass deportations, prompting renewed questions about the legality and human impact of ICE's enforcement practices. The widespread deportation efforts have attracted resistance from immigrant rights advocates. What To Know Martinez—who entered the U.S. in 2022, according to DHS—posts under the handle @tatianamartinez_02. She has gained attention for documenting ICE operations, sharing "know your rights" guidance, and offering commentary on immigration enforcement. Footage circulating on social media appears to show Martinez seated in a Tesla when federal agents approached, opened the driver's side door, and pulled her onto the pavement. The video shows her being restrained face down with a covering placed over her head, and observers can be heard calling for medical assistance before she appears motionless. McLaughlin added that the arrest was further complicated when "an individual unlawfully towed a government police vehicle." Footage on social media shows a federal agent running after a vehicle after the tow truck removes the car. "He mocked and videotaped ICE officers chasing after him. Secretary Noem has been clear: Anyone who seeks to impede law enforcement will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," McLaughlin said. Following the incident, Martinez was transported to White Memorial Hospital and subsequently transferred to a downtown detention center, according to L.A. Taco. McLaughlin said Martinez reported shortness of breath during her arrest and was given medical treatment. The influencer, who has amassed more than 37,000 followers on TikTok, has been actively creating content that documents immigration enforcement since Trump directed his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status. DHS has claimed that ICE agents are facing a 1000 percent increase in assaults against them; however, the agency has not provided any detailed breakdowns of the allegations. What People Are Saying Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: "On August 15, ICE arrested Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia who was convicted for driving under the influence in Los Angeles. This criminal illegal alien entered the country in 2022 and was RELEASED by the Biden administration. During her arrest, Martinez claimed to experience shortness of breath. She was given proper medical treatment and will be held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings." The Sidewalk School, an immigrant rights group, wrote in a post on Instagram: "She was pulled screaming from her Tesla, later taken by ambulance to the hospital." David Earl Williams III, a Democrat, wrote on Facebook: "ICE violently arrested activist-journalist Tatiana Martinez in LA, slamming her to the ground on livestream. After a brief hospital release, she was taken back into custody. In a wild twist, one of ICE's SUVs was towed mid-arrest—turning their crackdown into a symbol of resistance." What Happens Next Martinez will remain in ICE custody pending further removal proceedings.
