Fact-Check: Illegal Criminal Alien Faces 8 Years for Spitting at ICE Agent

The “LA man” claim is false.

The Independent’s June 12, 2025, article claims a “LA man” faces eight years in prison for spitting at an ICE agent, identifying him as Omar Pulido-Bastida.

Department of Homeland Security clarified he is a previously deported Mexican national, not a “LA man,” but an illegal criminal alien, charged with felony assault on a federal employee (18 U.S.C. § 111).

This discrepancy exposes The Independent’s misrepresentation of his legal status, a critical detail.

DHS clarification adds Pulido-Bastida’s criminal history, robbery and arrests for murder and assault, omitted by The Independent.