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Leo M.: U.S. citizen activist rammed by ICE vehicle in Oxnard and arrested

Leo Martinez, a U.S. citizen volunteer monitoring ICE activity in Oxnard, was rammed by an unmarked ICE SUV and briefly detained after agents falsely claimed he struck their vehicle. He was released the same day with no charges filed.

Oct 16, 2025Oxnard, CA

Leo M.: U.S. citizen activist rammed by ICE vehicle in Oxnard and arrested
Photo via Los Angeles Times

Leo (Leonardo) Martinez, a U.S. citizen and volunteer with immigrant rights group VC Defensa, was monitoring ICE enforcement activity near 8th and A streets in Oxnard, California, when federal agents in an unmarked SUV rammed his pickup truck, injuring him. ICE agents told dispatchers and police that Martinez had struck their vehicle, but body camera footage from Oxnard Police and witness videos, including footage released by VC Defensa, contradicted their account and instead showed the ICE Jeep striking Martinez's Nissan truck. Martinez was arrested at the scene and taken to a federal facility, identified as the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, where he was released the same day. He was told he could face charges, but the U.S. Attorney's Office has not filed any charges against him.

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