Marco Antonio Herrera, a citizen of Guatemala, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 24 for allegedly assaulting a federal officer and entering the United States illegally, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The charges are significant because they reflect ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration and ensure community safety through law enforcement actions. The indictment alleges that on April 1, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers found Herrera in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Prosecutors say Herrera had no legal basis to be in the country and resisted arrest by striking an officer with his elbow.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said that "the indictment alleges that on April 1, 2026, Herrera was found by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers in Williamsport, PA. It is also alleged that Herrera is a citizen of Guatemala with no legal basis to be present in the United States. Herrera allegedly refused to comply with the officers’ investigation and impeded them by resisting arrest and striking one of them with his elbow." Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, which aims to use Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration and related crimes. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses includes up to eight years imprisonment, supervised release after imprisonment, and a fine if convicted.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecutes federal crimes such as this one while managing civil cases across its jurisdiction covering 33 counties according to its official website. The office also offers victim support services as well as reentry programs aimed at rehabilitation and promoting public safety according to its official website. Facilities are located in Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre according to its official website.
Covering over 21,900 square miles across central Pennsylvania—and serving about 3.2 million residents—the U.S. Attorney’s Office operates under the Department of Justice according to its official website.
Authorities remind that indictments are only allegations; all persons charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
