An illegal immigrant is facing federal charges after he allegedly used his elbow to smash an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in the face, breaking her nose and concussing her, in New Jersey earlier this year, officials said.
Hector Villegas-Alvarez, a 27-year-old Colombian national, was charged in Newark federal court last week with one count of assaulting a federal officer and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of delivering the ferocious blow.
“These charges reaffirm our commitment to protect the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the people of New Jersey every day,” acting New Jersey US Attorney Alina Habba said in a statement.
“Those who choose to attack and assault law enforcement will continue to be met with swift and severe punishment,” Habba added.
The alleged attack happened after ICE officers stopped Villegas-Alvarez in Roselle, N.J., on Feb. 23, after identifying him as an individual without legal immigration status and due to be deported.
Villegas-Alvarez “physically resisted arrest” and “forcefully elbowed” a female ICE officer in the face as authorities attempted to detain him, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
“As a result of Villegas Alvarez’s assault, the victim deportation officer sustained bodily injury, including a broken nose and a concussion from which she suffers severe post-concussion symptoms, including fainting and difficulty breathing,” federal prosecutors said.
The struggle ensued after officers ordered Villegas-Alvarez to exit his car.
The Colombian national complied but tensed his body and locked his arms when officers attempted to put him in handcuffs, court documents state.
Villegas-Alvarez was tasered three times in the back during the tussle and momentarily fell to the ground before he got up and tried to return to his vehicle.
The two ICE officers making the arrest, including the victim, were ultimately able to subdue him.
Villegas-Alvarez’s arraignment is scheduled to occur on Tuesday morning.
