A Colombian citizen has been indicted on charges of assaulting a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Hector Villegas-Alvarez, 27, faces allegations of assaulting a federal officer and remains in custody following an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark, New Jersey.
Court documents reveal that on February 23, ICE officers identified Villegas-Alvarez as an individual lacking legal immigration status set for deportation. Upon attempted arrest, he allegedly resisted and struck an ICE officer in the face with his elbow. The officer sustained injuries, including a broken nose and a concussion, resulting in severe post-concussion symptoms.
“These charges reaffirm our commitment to protect the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the people of New Jersey every day. Those who choose to attack and assault law enforcement will continue to be met with swift and severe punishment,” stated U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
The charge carries potential penalties including a maximum of 20 years imprisonment and a fine reaching $250,000.
The investigation was spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Newark, directed by Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. Legal proceedings are led by Assistant U.S. Attorney George L. Brandley from the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
This case forms a part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative of the Department of Justice focused on countering illegal immigration and eliminating transnational criminal organizations, thereby bolstering community safety. It integrates various departmental programs, including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
It is important to note that the charges are accusations, and Villegas-Alvarez is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
The defense is represented by K. Anthony Thomas, Esq., a Federal Public Defender.
