CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse Thursday, demanding the release of Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez, who is accused of ramming multiple law enforcement vehicles during a border patrol operation .

Martinez's brother Brayan Martinez, and sister-in-law, Lien Bermudez, say he was simply documenting the operation and not impeding it. They added that he is a U.S. citizen. The family wants him released and is seeking a chance to speak with him. They say only his girlfriend has been able to get a hold of him since his arrest on Sunday.

"It's been hard for my family,” Brayan Martinez said at the courthouse. “My mom, it was heartbreaking for her to hear about it."

Martinez's family told WCNC Charlotte's Julie Kay that he would be released on an unsecured

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