Two Mexican nationals have been charged with assaulting a federal officer after an incident involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Houston. According to authorities, the two men, identified as Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, were found to be in the United States illegally on September 22. They were placed in flexicuffs and transported by a Border Patrol agent.
During transport, officials allege that Mendez broke free from his restraints and choked the agent from the back seat. Barron reportedly left the vehicle to retrieve personal belongings before fleeing on foot. Mendez also fled after releasing the agent.
The agent called for help immediately, leading to a swift law enforcement response that resulted in both men being apprehended shortly after their escape attempt. The injured agent was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment and has since been released.
“This incident underscores the extreme dangers our agents face every single day,” said CBP Senior Advisor Ronald D. Vitiello. “Attempting to choke a federal agent is an outrageous and cowardly act. Thanks to the agent’s quick action and the coordinated law enforcement response, the perpetrators are back in custody and facing serious federal charges. We are grateful our agent has been treated and released from the hospital.”
Mendez and Barron face charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer—a crime that carries up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine—as well as potential additional penalties if convicted of escaping from federal custody.
The investigation is being led by the FBI with support from Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, CBP, Border Patrol, Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct 5, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Conroe Police Department, Houston Police Department, Pasadena Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 employees responsible for protecting national security at borders through various means including innovation and collaboration.
