On March 28, 2025, comedian Paul Rodriguez found himself in legal trouble after being arrested in Burbank, California. The incident began when the Burbank Police Department pulled over the vehicle he was in for a code violation. Shortly after, at approximately 7:30 PM local time, Rodriguez was taken into custody on charges related to alleged drug possession.
Known for his vibrant bilingual stand-up career that spans over three decades, Rodriguez has become a prominent figure in the comedy scene. Born in Mexico and raised in East Los Angeles, he boasts an impressive filmography, having appeared in more than 40 movies, including popular titles such as Beverly Hills Chihuahua and Blood Work.
Following the arrest, Rodriguez’s attorney, Bobby Samini, issued a statement indicating that his client was merely a passenger in the vehicle. According to Samini, the substance in question belonged to the driver, not Rodriguez, who allegedly fully cooperated with the police. He asserted:
“Mr. Rodriguez was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by the Burbank Police Department last night. He fully cooperated with law enforcement at all times. Law enforcement asserted that the driver of the vehicle was in possession of a controlled substance.”
Furthermore, Samini contended that Rodriguez was innocent of wrongdoing and argued that the circumstances surrounding his arrest constituted a violation of his civil rights. He commented:
“Mr. Rodriguez did not have any controlled substance in his possession, nor was he under the influence of any controlled substance. Mr. Rodriguez’s arrest and treatment constituted a violation of his civil rights. We look forward to establishing Mr. Rodriguez’s innocence in a court of law.”
Allegations of Racial Motivation
The day after the incident, on March 29, Rodriguez spoke to TMZ, revealing that he had been sleeping in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the arrest. He suggested that his arrest could have been racially motivated, alleging that a “Caucasian”officer abused his authority by hitting him. Rodriguez emphasized his innocence, asserting that the drugs belonged to the driver, who had confessed to the officers. However, both were reportedly arrested, and he claimed they were subjected to rough treatment during the encounter. Additionally, Rodriguez mentioned that his vehicle was impounded.
Political Controversies Surrounding Rodriguez
In a related twist, Rodriguez has previously attracted media attention for his political views, particularly his support for former President Donald Trump. According to a report from Yahoo Entertainment dated November 7, 2018, Rodriguez openly identified as a Republican and expressed his support for Trump’s policies, stating:
“That’s very rare to find a Mexican-American who’s a Republican. At least people can look at me and know that it’s not that I don’t love this country. I’m an immigrant. I love this country.”
He acknowledged the potential backlash for his political stance but maintained that it was essential for him to express his opinions, regardless of the consequences:
“It’s a terrible thing for me to say this. I will pay the price for it, but as long as we’re able to speak our minds, I think I should have the right to be wrong in your opinion.”
For those unfamiliar, Paul Rodriguez was featured in the 2002 stand-up film The Original Latin Kings of Comedy, directed by Jeb Brien. The film showcased performances by several prominent comedians, including George Lopez and Cheech Marin, further enhancing Rodriguez’s influential role in the entertainment industry.