U.S. citizen detained at Walmart while helping detained worker, faces federal charges
Jun 22, 2025·Location: Pico Rivera, CA

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
Sources
- Walmart employee detained for confronting immigration officers in LA: 'I would do it again'
nbcnewyork.com·Jun 25, 2025·archived copy
nbcphiladelphia.com·Jun 25, 2025·archived copy
nbcnewyork.com·Jun 25, 2025·archived copy
- Feds say man punched agents at Pico Rivera Walmart - security footage shows no punches
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