E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Two residents of South Los Angeles were arrested on charges related to obstructing federal immigration agents. Gustavo Torres, 28, and Kiara Jaime-Flores, 34, are accused of causing a car chase earlier this year by deliberately blocking immigration agents during their duties. They face charges of conspiracy to impede or injure an officer.
The defendants are set to appear in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated, "These defendants are charged with knowingly and recklessly putting federal agents’ lives in danger." He emphasized that interfering with immigration officers will lead to criminal prosecution.
The incident occurred on February 28 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and United States Border Patrol agents executed search warrants at several residences in Los Angeles. At one location in South Los Angeles, a crowd gathered and directed hostile remarks at the agents as they left the area.
According to the affidavit, Torres and Flores allegedly blocked a government vehicle at an intersection using their Honda Fit. They also reportedly drove against traffic lanes and attempted to cause a collision by braking suddenly in front of another government vehicle. The two then followed one of the vehicles for two miles while attempting risky maneuvers.
A criminal complaint contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Torres and Flores could face up to six years in federal prison.
The investigation is being conducted by HSI's El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes both federal and state investigators focused on financial crimes in Southern California. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Tako is prosecuting the case.
