Federal immigration officers arrested Colombian TikTok influencer Tatiana Martinez during a live stream in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, prompting widespread debate over U.S. immigration enforcement.
Martinez, who posts under the handle @tatianamartinez_02 and has around 30,000 followers, was forcibly removed from her Tesla by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while broadcasting live. Videos shared online show her screaming, claiming injury, and later being transported to a hospital before being taken into detention.
ICE has not issued an official statement on the arrest, and Martinez’s current legal status remains unclear.
The influencer was known for using her platform to warn protesters about ICE operations and encourage disruptions of enforcement activity in California. Supporters say her arrest reflects intimidation tactics, while critics argue she was violating U.S. law by remaining in the country without authorization.
The incident comes as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles. Recent ICE raids have already sparked protests and clashes, with critics accusing authorities of unfairly targeting individuals.
Reactions to Martinez’s arrest have been sharply divided online. One X user wrote, “This is what enforcement looks like. She was breaking the law,” while another countered, “Arresting someone during a live stream feels like intimidation. Where’s the humanity?”
The case has reignited broader discussions about the balance between immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented immigrants, particularly those with public influence.
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