United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced charges against Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national residing illegally in Bellevue, Nebraska. On June 19, 2025, he was charged with attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer resulting in bodily injury.
Hurtado-Cariaco was apprehended by Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Sarpy County. The agents had an active immigration-related warrant for his arrest. During a traffic stop near his residence, Hurtado-Cariaco initially complied by exiting his vehicle with raised arms but then resisted arrest.
According to the complaint, Hurtado-Cariaco is suspected to be affiliated with Tren de Aragua. He allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with one agent, causing injuries when the agent struck their head and elbow on the pavement. Despite being subdued by another agent after placing one in a chokehold, Hurtado-Cariaco managed to escape briefly before being arrested at his apartment without further incident.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Deadly violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated by this Department of Justice.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the prosecution highlights their commitment to protecting law enforcement officers from violent attacks.
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods remarked on the professionalism of the agents involved despite facing potentially fatal violence: “Violence against federal law enforcement officers in the line of duty will not be tolerated in Nebraska.”
Following his arrest on June 18, 2025, Hurtado-Cariaco appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson on June 20, who ordered him detained pending a preliminary hearing set for June 24. It is important to note that criminal complaints are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, Hurtado-Cariaco faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. The case is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
