Man who tried to interfere with ICE traffic stop arrested on DUI warrant, officials say

Police arrested a man who had been wanted for DUI and was part of a crowd gathered near ICE Agents attempting to detain a person in Santa Ana on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The man was arrested after he ran past officers and apparently tried to interfere with federal officials, authorities said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had conducted a traffic stop related to an immigration warrant in the 800 block of S. Townsend Street at about 6:30 a.m., Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. That person refused to exit their vehicle until their lawyer arrived, and a group of people began to gather nearby.

Santa Ana police do not participate in the enforcement of immigration-related offenses, but were called by Department of Homeland Security officials to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of both residents and agents, Bertagna said. Officers established a perimeter, and one man attempted to get past them.

He was detained and later arrested after police learned that he was wanted in connection with a warrant for driving under the influence. His identity was not immediately released.

“We don’t arrest or transport people for immigration-related offenses,” Bertagna said.

“But if any agency asks for help in making sure that they and the public stay safe, we will (help),” he said.

The person who had been stopped by ICE was released sometime after the arrival of an attorney, Bertagna said. DHS officials could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the immigration warrant they were attempting to enforce.