A 19-year-old man from Penitas, Texas, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for interfering with federal officers during an enforcement operation. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Diego Masiel Torres pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera delivered the sentence, stating that Torres’ actions were unlawful toward individuals performing their official duties and emphasized that "no one is above the law."
“There is, at present, an unfortunate belief that the public can freely obstruct law enforcement from carrying out their duties, and do so without consequence. Today’s sentence shows just how mistaken that belief is," said Ganjei. “If you want to express your disagreement with a particular federal law or policy, there is a right way to do so, and a wrong way — and tangling with the police is one hundred percent always the wrong way. Today, Mr. Torres learned that lesson the hard way.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco of HSI San Antonio commented on the case: “Those who endanger our agents and undermine the safety of our communities will face serious consequences,” he said. “Interfering with federal law enforcement is a grave offense, and today’s sentencing makes clear that such actions will be met with swift and decisive justice.”
The incident occurred on August 27, 2025, when authorities were conducting a consensual worksite enforcement operation in Harlingen. Several people fled as officers arrived at the location. During attempts to apprehend an undocumented individual, Torres tried to physically remove the person from custody and placed an officer in a chokehold before being arrested by additional agents.
Torres remains in custody following his arrest.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), while Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Salazar prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, which involves efforts by the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration issues and target criminal organizations affecting communities nationwide.
