Federal public defenders in Charlotte are seeking testimony from recently demoted Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino in the case of U.S. citizen Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez, arrested after filming agents during a November 16, 2025, immigration operation.
Incident Details
Martinez, practicing “citizen journalism,” followed agents along North Tryon Street and University City Boulevard, posting photos to social media. Agents approached for a “voluntary stop,” but he drove off, sparking a 1.5-mile chase where ICE vehicles collided with his van amid comments like “this is fun” and “knock him out” captured on body video. Video evidence contradicts the FBI’s initial claim that Martinez rammed agents first.
Charges and Court Status
He’s indicted on assaulting/resisting federal officers (up to 8 years), but U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler rejected the “deadly weapon” enhancement on his car. A federal grand jury formalized the charge in January 2026; his next hearing is pending. Defense attorney John Parke Davis also seeks agents’ personal communications.
Bovino’s Role and Context
Davis alleges Bovino authorized the chase; Bovino was demoted last month after a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. This echoes a Chicago case where Bovino praised agent Charles Exum for shooting Marimar MartÃnez during a similar pursuit—charges later dropped amid scrutiny.​
