A 28-year-old Honduran national, Sindi Vanessa Moreno-Flores, has been charged after allegedly attacking and injuring an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during her arrest in Houston. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Moreno-Flores is scheduled for her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett on September 29 at 2 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 23, an ICE officer identified himself to Moreno-Flores as she was getting into her vehicle and informed her she was under arrest. She allegedly started the vehicle, refused to turn it off or exit, and resisted when the officer attempted to remove her and apply handcuffs. The complaint states that Moreno-Flores scratched the officer and swung her arm in an attempt to strike him, continued to struggle physically, and fled toward a group of bystanders. A family member reportedly became involved in the altercation as the officer tried to secure Moreno-Flores.
Additional authorities arrived at the scene and were able to detain Moreno-Flores. The ICE officer sustained deep scratches on his arm and hands.
Investigators determined that an immigration judge had ordered Moreno-Flores removed from the United States in February 2024 after she failed to appear for her immigration hearing.
“Federal law enforcement agents work hard to enforce our country’s democratically-enacted immigration laws,” said Ganjei. “It is unacceptable for illegal aliens to assault these agents as they carry out that important mission. The Southern District of Texas will prosecute those who do so every single time.”
If convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer, Moreno-Flores could face up to 20 years in federal prison. She also faces charges related to hampering or preventing an alien’s departure from the United States, which carries a possible sentence of up to four years if convicted; both charges include potential fines of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by ICE - Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Martin is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues through coordinated efforts involving resources from multiple agencies such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
A criminal complaint is only a formal accusation; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due legal process.
