A Dominican national, Darlin Leon, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. The incident reportedly occurred on March 26, 2025, while Leon was in lawful custody at an ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, pending deportation.
The complaint alleges that Leon, 39, repeatedly hit the officer's head with a closed fist, resulting in injuries including lacerations and abrasions. After appearing in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor on March 28, Leon was detained.
U.S. Attorney Habba highlighted the efforts of special agents from Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, in conducting the investigation. The government’s case is being pursued by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek from the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
Leon faces a charge of assaulting a federal officer, which carries a potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. This case forms part of the broader Operation Take Back America initiative aimed at battling illegal immigration and organized crime.
Despite the charges, it was emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law.
Leon is represented by defense counsel Linda Foster, an Assistant Federal Public Defender, Esq.
