The man at the center of a viral immigration arrest that sparked protests across Hampton Roads is speaking out, saying he feared for his life as federal agents restrained him outside a Suffolk hospital earlier this month.Victor Alfredo Perez Martin sat down with 13News Now on Thursday at his Newport News home, offering his account of the July 6 encounter that led to his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and drew national attention after video of the arrest circulated widely online.While ICE says Perez Martin "actively resisted arrest" and refused lawful commands, the 25-year-old Guatemalan immigrant disputes that characterization."As I was getting up, they started to hit me, but it wasn't because I was resisting; it was because I couldn't breathe, and they started to hit me harder," Perez Martin said.The arrest occurred near Sentara Belle Harbour in Suffolk. Federal officials have said Perez Martin ran toward the hospital during a targeted enforcement operation and resisted officers as they attempted to take him into custody.But Perez Martin said his movements were a reaction to difficulty breathing while being restrained."They thought I resisted because I was trying to get up. It's because I could not breathe," he said.Video of the encounter, which shows agents striking and holding Perez Martin on the ground, quickly spread online and prompted demonstrations across the region. Perez Martin said one thought remained with him throughout the ordeal."I was thinking of my family," he said.Perez Martin said he left Guatemala five years ago in search of better opportunities."I came here to give my family a better opportunity," he said.Following his arrest, Perez Martin was transferred through multiple detention facilities. He said he ultimately signed paperwork agreeing to voluntary departure after being told he could remain detained for an extended period while his case moved through the legal system."I am a man who works, and I was doing nothing and being treated like a criminal," Perez Martin said. "That's why I decided to sign."Earlier this month, a federal judge ordered Perez Martin released from custody and ruled he is entitled to a bond hearing before an immigration judge. Court records indicate the judge found he should receive an individualized bond hearing rather than be held under mandatory detention provisions argued by the government.Now back at home, Perez Martin said he continues to deal with injuries he attributes to the arrest."I am swollen inside of my wrist, and it is affecting my hand movements," he said. "I am still in pain."Perez Martin said he sought medical care Thursday and continues to experience pain in his wrist and ankle."As I walk, it still hurts," he said.Despite the ongoing legal battle, Perez Martin said he has been encouraged by the public support he received after the arrest video was released."I saw the protests, and I was very happy that people were supporting me," he said. "There are some good and bad people. The people who protested know that I am a good person."He also questioned the level of force used during the arrest."We are all human, and they didn't have to use such extensive force," Perez Martin said. "How would they have felt if it happened to them? We are all human."Perez Martin's attorney, James Reyes, told 13News Now that his client remains committed to pursuing asylum and is expected to appear in immigration court Monday for what Perez Martin described as his first hearing in the case.Reyes said attorneys successfully sought Perez Martin's release through a writ of habeas corpus, arguing before a federal judge that holding him without the possibility of bond was unconstitutional. The judge ultimately ordered his release and ruled that he is entitled to a bond hearing before an immigration judge.As his case moves forward, Reyes said the legal team is exploring multiple avenues to allow Perez Martin to remain in the United States.Perez Martin said he plans to be straightforward when he appears in court."I will just be honest," he said.The hearing comes as Perez Martin continues his fight for asylum while recovering from injuries he says he suffered during the arrest.ICE has maintained that Perez Martin actively resisted arrest and has said he was offered medical services after being taken to the agency's Norfolk office for processing, which officials say he declined.