TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Mar 4, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says that a Nashville plumber arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Feb. 17 did not present a driver’s license during a traffic stop, resisted officers and was found to have two prior arrests for driving without a license, though both cases were dismissed. The family of Mexican national Juan Martin Espindola Ramirez disputes that story saying he has no criminal background, holds a driver’s license and work permit, was previously granted a U visa after assisting law enforcement, and has applied for a green card. The arrest has sparked concerns about the situation and has led some to donate to a GoFundMe page for legal expenses and to support his partner and their two sons.  ICE says Ramirez remains in custody in Louisiana pending immigration proceedings. The Tennessean has more.