BP agents assaulted in three separate events

Border Patrol agents reported three separate assault incidents in Imperial County last week.

According to a press release, the first incident happened on Thursday at around 7:45 p.m. Just east of the Calexico Port of Entry, Border Patrol agents on bike patrol spotted a man suspected of illegally entering the United States. After being questioned, CBP said the man resisted arrest and physically assaulted an agent. The agent then used oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray and was able to arrest the man. The man declined medical attention following the arrest.

The man, a 24-year-old Mexican citizen, was detained pending charges of illegally entering the U.S. and assaulting a federal agent.

The second incident occurred Thursday at approximately 10:08 p.m. near the Gran Plaza Outlets in Calexico. CBP officials said agents reported of individuals in Mexico throwing rocks into the United States who attempted to cause harm or destruction. Agents responded and the individuals soon left the area.

Mexican officials were notified and no arrests were made.

On Friday, the third incident happened at about 9:43 a.m. A man suspected of entering the country illegally was met by an agent west of Mount Signal. As the agent approached the man, he began to run towards Mexico. The agent tried to arrest the man following a brief chase. According to CBP, the man resisted and began to assault the agent. After backup arrived, the man was eventually arrested. The man was offered medical attention which he denied.

The man, a 41-year-old Mexican citizen, was turned over the FBI for further investigation.

All agents assaulted did not suffer major physical injuries.

“Our agents put their safety on the line every time they go out and patrol the border,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Acts of violence like the ones committed against our agents will not deter us from our mission.”