Michel Manuel Garcia Rojas, a 39-year-old citizen of Nicaragua, has pleaded guilty to charges of resisting, impeding, and assaulting a federal officer during an arrest. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Court documents state that Garcia Rojas entered the United States illegally in 2023 and had been undergoing removal proceedings while living in the country. In March 2025, HSI discovered that Garcia Rojas and another individual were charged with New York State misdemeanors for petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. Due to these charges and under provisions of the recently enacted Laken Riley Act, both individuals became subject to immediate detention.
Federal agents attempted to arrest Garcia Rojas before he could be released on state charges. During his arrest, after being handcuffed and placed in a law enforcement vehicle, Garcia Rojas exited the vehicle and tried to walk away. An HSI Special Agent confronted him, leading to a physical altercation where Garcia Rojas struck the agent in the face and pushed him into a door. It required several officers and use of a taser to subdue him. The agent sustained multiple injuries including abrasions, bruises, jaw injuries, and a back injury that resulted in months away from work.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “Thanks to the Laken Riley Act, we have taken a violent illegal alien off the streets here in the Northern District of New York. Garcia Rojas’ assault on a federal agent faithfully doing his job should be a stark reminder to everyone of the danger these criminals pose. I commend my prosecutors and HSI for their exceptional work in bringing swift justice to this defendant.”
Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “The brazen and violent actions of Michel Manuel Garcia Rojas, a Nicaraguan national with a prior criminal history, represent a direct threat to the safety of our agents, officers and the communities we serve, and reflect the danger law enforcement face each day. Assaulting a federal agent in the line of duty is an egregious and unacceptable crime that will not be tolerated. This case underscores the critical importance of strong enforcement measures like the Laken Riley Act, which empower law enforcement to protect our nation from those who disregard our laws. HSI remains steadfast in pursuing justice for those who endanger our personnel, our partners, and the public alike.”
Garcia Rojas is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on June 16, 2026. He faces up to 20 years in prison as well as fines up to $250,000. He may also receive supervised release for up to three years followed by deportation after serving any prison term; restitution will also be ordered for his victim.
The case is being investigated by HSI with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark.
