A Colombian national has been indicted for assaulting a U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Hector Villegas-Alvarez, 27, faces one count of assaulting a federal officer. He made an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court last week where he was detained.
Court documents reveal that on February 23, 2025, ICE deportation officers identified Villegas Alvarez as lacking legal immigration status and attempted to arrest him. In resisting arrest, Villegas Alvarez allegedly elbowed an ICE officer in the face, causing the officer bodily injury including a broken nose and concussion. The officer is reportedly suffering from severe post-concussion symptoms.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba remarked, "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. Those who choose to attack and assault law enforcement will continue to be met with swift and severe punishment."
The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The investigation was credited to deportation officers of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark, directed by Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George L. Brandley of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark is representing the government in court.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative that utilizes resources from the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. The initiative collaborates with the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
As stated in the complaint, all charges and allegations are accusations; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Villegas-Alvarez's defense counsel is K. Anthony Thomas, Esq., Federal Public Defender.
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