A Mexican national living in Houston without legal status has been charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer, resulting in serious injuries, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava, 36, is being held pending further proceedings after an incident that occurred on October 1 during immigration enforcement activities in Houston. Authorities say they attempted to stop Cruz-Nava’s vehicle using emergency lights, but he did not yield and tried to evade capture. After his vehicle was surrounded, Cruz-Nava reportedly exited the car and fled on foot.
The charges state that a uniformed Texas Department of Public Safety agent pursued Cruz-Nava and caught up with him, attempting to detain him by grabbing his shirt. Cruz-Nava allegedly slipped out of the shirt and continued running. The agent then tried to restrain him by wrapping his arms around Cruz-Nava, who responded by lunging and throwing the agent into a wrought iron fence.
Authorities allege that Cruz-Nava ran again but was quickly apprehended. The agent sustained two deep head wounds during the altercation.
“Those who attack law enforcement officers are attacking the American system of justice,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas has a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who does so. The message is clear—comply with officer directives and keep your hands to yourself.”
If convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a person assisting a federal officer, Cruz-Nava could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with support from Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Ganz is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, which brings together resources from several Department of Justice programs including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods for coordinated efforts against illegal immigration, drug cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime.
Officials emphasized that a criminal complaint is only an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
