Subject attacks agent following attempted rescue.
EAGLE PASS, Texas – An agent from the Eagle Pass Station was assaulted during an encounter along the Rio Grande River. The assailant, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, illegally entered the United States.
“This incident is an example of the threats and risks faced by U.S. Border Patrol agents as they work to secure the border,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Mathew J. Hudak. “We take any assault of our agents seriously. We will seek maximum penalties available under the law of anyone who assaults a Border Patrol agent.”
Border Patrol agents, on Friday, encountered an individual in distress and calling for help from the middle of the Rio Grande River. An agent retrieved a flotation device from his service vehicle but before the agent could deploy it, the subject had made it safely to the United States side of the river. The agent placed the subject under arrest and while escorting him to a service vehicle, the subject became combative and a struggle ensued. The agent subdued the subject and took him into custody. Neither the subject nor the agent sustained any significant injuries.
The subject, a 31-year-old Mexican national, is being charged with 18 USC § 111 – assault on a federal officer. The subject faces up to eight years in prison.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.