Two Mexican citizens are facing federal charges after allegedly assaulting a Border Patrol agent during an escape attempt, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced. The suspects, Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett in connection with the incident on Monday, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas stated that two men in the country illegally tried to escape while being transported to a detention center. Mendez allegedly grabbed a federal agent by the neck at a stoplight, while Barron fled on foot with their belongings. Mendez then released the agent and also fled. The agent was not seriously injured and called for help, leading to both men being quickly arrested.
Mendez and Barron have been charged with assault and resisting or impeding a federal officer, which could lead to up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. They also face an escape charge that carries up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts and involves the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, and Houston-area law enforcement as part of Operation Take Back America.
