Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco is facing allegations that she followed a man for about 25 minutes to his sister’s home and confronted him because she suspected he was a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

Eric Bridges detailed the encounter in a TikTok video, accusing Pacheco, who is running for Fresno County supervisor, of following his vehicle, photographing it, and blocking him in.

Bridges’ attorney, Roger Bonakdar, said in a news release that formal complaints were filed Monday with the Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit. The release did not indicate whether authorities had opened an investigation or filed charges.

According to Bonakdar’s news release, Pacheco allegedly made the following statements when Bridges asked her to identify herself: “Don’t worry about who I am, I’m someone important,” then said “I’m looking for ICE and you look like ICE.”

The alleged encounter occurred Wednesday, Oct. 14, beginning near Kearney Park and continuing into Fresno.

Bonakdar said Bridges, a Fresno hairstylist, has no connection to Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Department of Homeland Security. 

“As an elected official and a representative for a California legislator, Ms. Pacheco isn’t a peace officer and has no business role-playing as one for social media clout or political favor,” Bonakdar  said.

Video Contains Graphic Language

Bridges Describes Alleged 25-Minute Pursuit

Bridges said in a TikTok video that the encounter unfolded in a neighboring city, where Pacheco allegedly followed him in her personal vehicle before confronting him.

“You’re the mayor, are you kidding me? You’re the mayor of your city and you’re in your own personal car in a neighboring city and you’re chasing people down and you are harassing them,” Bridges said.

“You took pictures of my car. You followed me and chased me for about 25 minutes. Blocked me in, all of that.”

Bridges also alleged that Pacheco flipped him off and contacted other people by phone during the encounter.

He said Pacheco followed him to his sister’s home and told him she was protecting the neighborhood.

Bridges Questions Pacheco’s ICE Suspicions

According to Bridges, Pacheco’s actions stemmed from her assumption that he was an ICE agent.

“And all of that because you said, you assumed that I was a ICE agent?” Bridges said.

Bridges expressed concern about the confrontation and questioned whether Pacheco’s position as mayor gave her the authority to pursue people she suspected of working for federal immigration authorities.

Bridges also said he was emotionally affected by the encounter.

“I’m hurt, like my feelings is hurt,” he said.

Pacheco has previously posted about suspected ICE agents and sightings on her Facebook page.

In his video, Bridges referenced another recording that he said showed Pacheco confronting ICE agents a day or two before their encounter.

Bonakdar also said that Bridges has received threats following the encounter.

Pacheco Responds to Allegations

Pacheco responded to the allegations in a statement to GV Wire on Tuesday afternoon, saying she was prepared to address the matter in court.

“Regarding recent allegations, my only comment is this: If he wants to go to court, we will go to court.”

Pacheco then shifted her attention to food shortages affecting the Kerman Food Bank and other local organizations, saying recent immigration enforcement actions have left families fearful of going to work or even leaving home to buy groceries.

She said efforts are underway to raise funds, recruit volunteers, prepare meals, and coordinate food donations for families in need.

“Regardless of where you stand on these issues, please consider donating to your local food bank. Our families need food, our children need stability and our community needs compassion,” Pacheco said.

“That is where our attention belongs, and where my time, energy and heart will remain.”

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