Saboteurs Pop Border Patrol Agent's Tire With Homemade Spike Strip In LA County: Official

LOS ANGELES, CA — Four people were arrested Tuesday morning after one or more of them were caught trying to disable U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicles using homemade devices, according to a Border Patrol official.

The incident occurred in Van Nuys during unspecified "immigration law enforcement operations," El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino wrote on social media.

Bovino wrote that shortly before his 11:31 a.m. post, three people "attempted to impede & obstruct our efforts, using improvised devices aimed at disabling our vehicles."

His post included photos that appeared to show metal or rubber strips with protruding large nails. One photo shows the device — which resembled a homemade spike strip — embedded in a vehicle tire.

Bovino initially wrote that those three people were arrested on unspecified felony charges. He later followed up that a fourth person was arrested in connection to the incident.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson provided a statement to Spectrum News, which reads in part:

“On July 8, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol conducted a target immigration enforcement operation in Van Nuys, California. During the operation, four U.S. citizens placed improvised tire deflation devices on the road and punctured a Border Patrol vehicle’s tire. Agents were able to identify the suspects and placed them under arrest for obstructing law enforcement. During the arrest, one individual assaulted a Border Patrol agent and was subsequently arrested for assaulting federal law enforcement."

Just moments ago in Van Nuys during federal immigration law enforcement operations, 3 subjects attempted to impede & obstruct our efforts, using improvised devices aimed at disabling our vehicles. All three were arrested & now face felony charges. pic.twitter.com/ebiufrWoJT
— USBP Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino (@USBPChiefELC) July 8, 2025