U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents have arrested two individuals in Los Angeles on charges of criminal conspiracy related to impeding a federal officer. Gustavo Torres, 28, and Kiara Jaime-Flores, 34, both residents of Los Angeles, were taken into custody on May 13.
The arrests follow an incident that took place on February 28 involving ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Border Patrol agents. These agents were executing four criminal search and arrest warrants against a transnational criminal organization allegedly involved in international human smuggling. As the agents left the area in government vehicles, Torres and Jaime-Flores reportedly followed them. They allegedly used their vehicle to obstruct the agents by conducting blocking maneuvers and stopping abruptly in front of the government vehicles, potentially attempting to cause a collision.
“Impeding law enforcement activity is not only dangerous, it’s illegal,” stated acting ICE HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “HSI is committed to carrying out their law enforcement duties in a professional manner without being incumbered by those looking to impede lawful enforcement actions.”
This case remains under investigation by ICE. If convicted, Torres and Jaime-Flores could face up to six years in federal prison.
Indictments are based on allegations that a crime has been committed; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The public is encouraged to report any attempts to unlawfully disrupt U.S. law enforcement activities by contacting the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.
More information about HSI’s mission can be found on X at @HSILosAngeles.
