Now he can laugh behind bars while he faces justice. Nunez is looking at up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted,” Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli posted to X on Tuesday.

Prosecutors say Nunez also swung open the passenger door of the suspect’s car, striking an officer, as a chaotic scene unfolded. A viral video posted by Rep. Bill Essayli (R-Calif.) showed the immigrant being arrested while another officer chased the tow truck on foot.

Homeland Security Investigations later identified Nunez with the help of TikTok videos, authorities said. The complaint was signed off by United States Magistrate Judge Stephanie Christensen.

The arrest comes amid heightened tensions in Los Angeles, where a federal judge this week said the Trump administration deploying the National Guard to quell June’s anti-ICE protests was illegal, despite the fact