A pair of Mexican nationals, Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, have been taken into custody after allegedly attacking a Border Patrol agent in Houston. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the incident occurred on September 22 while both men were being transported to a detention facility after authorities determined they were in the United States illegally.
The criminal complaint states that while en route to the facility in a Border Patrol vehicle, one of the suspects unbuckled his seatbelt. When the agent turned toward the back seat, Mendez allegedly wrapped his arm around her neck and began choking her. The complaint further alleges that Barron exited the vehicle during this time, retrieved their personal belongings from the front seat, and fled on foot. Mendez then released the agent and also ran from the scene.
The agent was able to call for assistance immediately. Authorities later apprehended both men. The agent reported fearing for her life but has since recovered.
“The Southern District of Texas has zero tolerance for those who assault law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Let it be known: if you lay a hand on an officer, deputy, or federal agent, SDTX will do whatever it can to put you in federal prison for as long as the law will allow. You’ve been warned.”
Both individuals are charged with assault and resisting or impeding a federal officer, offenses that carry penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison and possible fines up to $250,000. They also face additional charges related to escape from custody which could result in another year of imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines if convicted.
The investigation involved several agencies including the FBI; Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; Customs and Border Protection; Harris County Constables Office – Precinct 5; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; and police departments from Conroe, Houston, and Pasadena. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aiming to address illegal immigration issues and dismantle transnational criminal organizations through coordinated resources such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Authorities emphasize that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
