Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Jose Melgar-Rivas, a 35-year-old Honduran national, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, resulting in bodily injury. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The incident occurred on July 15, 2025, when ICE officers conducted a traffic stop on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. According to public records, Melgar-Rivas had entered the United States illegally and was driving the vehicle stopped by officers. He refused commands to exit the car and struggled with officers attempting to remove him.
During the confrontation, Melgar-Rivas put the vehicle into drive and fled the scene while an ICE officer became caught in the door and was dragged along the roadway. The officer managed to free himself but suffered multiple serious injuries. Melgar-Rivas was arrested several hours after fleeing.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester stated: “The defendant’s reckless decisions to resist, assault, and flee from law enforcement resulted in serious injury to an ICE officer. Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who put law enforcement officers and the community at risk will be held accountable. I commend the coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners and the prosecutors who worked to secure justice for the injured officer.”
Travis Pickard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Special Agent in Charge, said: “This sentencing sends a clear message: Attacks on federal officers will not be tolerated. Our officer endured life-altering injuries simply for doing his job protecting our communities and enforcing the law. HSI stands resolute in defending our personnel and ensuring those who threaten their safety are held fully accountable. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in securing justice for our colleague and his family.”
FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater commented: “This defendant made a conscious decision to turn his vehicle into a weapon, a blatant act of contempt for human life and the rule of law. Today’s sentencing sends an indisputable message: the FBI stands firmly behind our law enforcement partners, and we will act decisively to defend them.”
A federal Grand Jury indicted Melgar-Rivas on August 5, 2025, for assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025.
At today’s sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones II, Melgar-Rivas received a sentence of 78 months in federal prison based on the harm caused to the victim and danger posed by his actions.
Following completion of his prison term, Melgar-Rivas will be deported from the United States.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at countering illegal immigration activities as well as dismantling criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
