An illegal immigrant from Colombia is facing serious federal charges after allegedly assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in New Jersey earlier this year. Hector Villegas-Alvarez, 27, is accused of breaking the officer’s nose and causing a concussion by elbowing her in the face during a violent encounter.
The incident took place on February 23 in Roselle, N.J., when ICE officers attempted to detain Villegas-Alvarez, who was identified as being in the country illegally and facing deportation. According to court documents, Villegas-Alvarez resisted arrest and aggressively attacked the female ICE officer, leading to her sustaining serious injuries.
Following the assault, Villegas-Alvarez was tasered three times by the officers but continued to resist arrest and tried to flee back to his vehicle. Despite the struggle, the officers were able to subdue him and take him into custody.
Villegas-Alvarez now faces federal charges for assaulting a federal officer, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. Acting New Jersey US Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for attacking law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect the community.
The victim deportation officer suffered a broken nose and a concussion from the assault, resulting in severe post-concussion symptoms. Villegas-Alvarez is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday morning, where he will face the charges brought against him.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, and the importance of upholding the law and ensuring the safety of those who protect and serve the community.
