A Border Patrol Agent has been assaulted by a subject presumed to be illegally present in the United States during an apprehension in a remote area.
While apprehending a group of five subjects early in the morning of Nov. 27, one subject forcefully resisted arrest and punched the agent in the face in an attempt to get away. He subsequently tried to disarm the agent as they struggled, but was unsuccessful. The subject was subdued and taken into custody without further incident.
The aggressor and agent were evaluated by medical professionals and found to have minor injuries that did not require further attention.
“Border Patrol Agents are highly trained federal law enforcement officers,” said Big Bend Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Chris T. Clem. “Encounters like this highlight the potential dangers faced in the course of their duties, even with the COVID-19 Pandemic, smugglers keep bringing people and contraband into the United States illegally, adding to the risk and I commend the agent for his actions in the face of adversity.”
An internal investigation into the incident was conducted with the aid of the FBI. Andre Mainor-Velasquez, a Guatemalan citizen, was charged with multiple immigration violations under the law, as were the others in the group. Mainor-Velasquez will be further prosecuted under 18 USC 111, (assault of a federal officer).
