A large immigration-related protest in East Las Vegas on Monday, February 5, led to five arrests and several injuries, according to newly obtained documents from the 8 News Now Investigators. The protest, which initially began peacefully with protesters remaining on the sidewalks, escalated when approximately 500 individuals moved into the intersection of Charleston and Lamb boulevards, halting traffic and causing chaos.
The Las Vegas Metro Police declared the protest unlawful and issued a dispersal order in both English and Spanish, which protesters reportedly ignored. Authorities called for additional officers to assist in managing the crowd.
Among the five arrested were Ulises Nava and Josefina Martinez, both U.S. citizens. Nava faces charges of battery on a protected person after allegedly throwing rocks at officers, with one rock hitting an officer in the eye. Martinez, meanwhile, is charged with assault on a protected person for allegedly driving the wrong way down a road and nearly hitting officers before fleeing the scene.
During a court hearing on Tuesday, Nava’s bail was set at $2,000. He posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 11. Martinez’s bail was set at $15,000, and she remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center, with a court appearance scheduled for February 20.
The protest began as a peaceful demonstration but escalated quickly into an unlawful gathering, prompting police intervention. While police have confirmed the arrests, additional details regarding injuries and other events during the protest are still under investigation.
Authorities have encouraged peaceful protest efforts, emphasizing the need for lawful demonstrations and respect for public safety.
