Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Today, a Honduran national named Jose Melgar-Rivas, aged 34, was charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The incident occurred on July 15, 2025, when officers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped a vehicle driven by Melgar-Rivas on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. The complaint states that Melgar-Rivas, identified as an ICE fugitive, refused to comply with officers' orders to exit the vehicle. A struggle ensued as officers attempted to remove him from the car. During this altercation, Melgar-Rivas reportedly put the vehicle into drive and fled the scene while an ICE officer became trapped in the door and was dragged down the road before freeing himself and sustaining several injuries. Melgar-Rivas was arrested hours later.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester emphasized that "ensuring the safety of law enforcement personnel in executing their lawful duties is paramount." He added that those who interfere with law enforcement would be held accountable.
Travis Pickard of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) stated that assaults on federal officers would lead to swift accountability and collaborative responses from law enforcement agencies.
Joe Ogden of the FBI underscored that assaults on federal agents would not be tolerated and pledged continued support for public servants performing their duties.
If convicted, Melgar-Rivas could face up to 20 years in federal prison along with a fine of up to $250,000. He appeared today in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City and has been detained pending further proceedings.
The public is reminded that these charges are allegations and that Melgar-Rivas is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case resulted from investigations conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, Oklahoma City Police Department with assistance from U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Further information can be found in public filings related to this case.
