'He's being kidnapped right now': Helena Police video shows ICE detention of Christopher Martinez
Body and dash camera video from the Helena Police Department obtained by the Independent Record shows the July 1, 2025, traffic stop that led to the detention of Christopher Martinez Marvan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The video shows police originally pulled Martinez over for an expired license plate tag but that immigration officers quickly begin to question him about his immigration status when he cannot produce an ID. Lawyers for Martinez have alleged he was detained in violation of the Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable search and seizure, while the U.S. attorney's office maintains he should be deported because he has illegally entered and remained in the country several times.
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Near the end of the video, the HPD officer returns to his vehicle and says to someone off-camera, “He’s getting deported.” Another HPD officer then comes to the officer’s window, leans in and says with a grin: “He’s being kidnapped right now.”
“Good enough for me,” the HPD officer responds.
Regarding the officer's statement about "being kidnapped," Helena Police Chief Brett Petty said in a statement the department was aware of the comment that was made but that the department did not initially notice it during its first review. He said the officer involved has been on personal leave.
"While such remarks are not representative of the values or mission of our department, we acknowledge that, on occasion, individuals may act or speak in ways that fall short of our professional standards," Petty said in a written statement. "I'm am incredibly disappointed with the comment that was made. Our leadership team does not believe it is reflective of the department's involvement in the incident where the remark was captured.
"We want to assure the public that any statements or actions that are insensitive or unprofessional are taken seriously and are subject to internal review. Personnel matters are handled within the department and will be addressed in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement. The detective in question has been on personal leave, and the matter will be addressed upon their return," Petty added.
"We remain committed to upholding the integrity and professionalism expected of the Helena Police Department and appreciate the community's understanding as we address this matter appropriately."
Editor's note: This story has been updated to confirm that a Helena Police officer made the comments about being kidnapped and to include a statement from the chief of HPD.
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