A Salvadoran national has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for assaulting a Border Patrol agent, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The incident involved 21-year-old Oscar Adilio Sanchez-Rivera, who pleaded guilty on March 4, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton handed down the sentence of 36 months in federal prison to Sanchez-Rivera, who is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his term.
The assault took place during a traffic stop in Rio Grande City in November 2024 when Sanchez-Rivera revealed his immigration status to authorities. As a Border Patrol agent attempted to detain him, Sanchez-Rivera resisted arrest by striking the agent and causing a finger fracture that required surgery.
After fleeing on foot, Sanchez-Rivera was quickly apprehended by authorities.
Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez of the Rio Grande Valley Sector highlighted the seriousness of such offenses against federal agents: "Our Border Patrol agents risk their lives every day to secure our nation's borders. Any assault on our agents is an assault on the safety and security of our communities," she stated. "This sentence demonstrates that violence against law enforcement will be met with the full force of the law."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as America's frontline defense, being the largest law enforcement organization in the nation and operating as the world's first unified border management agency. The CBP's workforce of over 65,000 personnel works to protect America across various domains while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
