A Dominican national, Bernis Díaz-de la Cruz, has been arrested on charges of assaulting a federal officer in Puerto Rico. The 20-year-old faces allegations under Title 18 of the United States Code for obstructing and resisting a federal officer and assault through the use of a dangerous weapon.
The incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when United States Border Patrol Agents confronted Díaz during suspected illegal activity inside a vehicle. Instead of complying with orders, Díaz allegedly accelerated his vehicle toward an agent. The agent avoided being hit, but the erratic driving led to a collision with another law enforcement vehicle.
Díaz does not have legal status to be in the United States. "The Department of Justice has zero tolerance for those criminals who assault federal or local law enforcement officers," stated W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski from the FBI’s San Juan Field Office remarked that such assaults are grave offenses endangering lives and will be investigated thoroughly by the FBI.
Reggie Johnson, Chief Patrol Agent for Ramey Sector, emphasized that violence against law enforcement is an attack on public safety and will face swift justice.
If convicted, Díaz could face up to 20 years in prison. His sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge considering various guidelines and factors.
The case is under investigation by the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol Ramey Sector, with Assistant U.S. Attorney César Rivera-Díaz prosecuting it as part of Operation Take Back America—an initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational crime.
A criminal complaint remains an allegation until guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.
