In a shocking incident that has reignited discussions on immigration enforcement, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was dragged for nearly a block by a Honduran national, Jose Melgar-Rivas, who was attempting to evade federal custody in Oklahoma. The incident resulted in the officer sustaining multiple injuries, prompting charges against Melgar-Rivas for assaulting a federal officer. Law enforcement agencies have emphasized the need for accountability in such cases, with federal prosecutors indicating potential prison time and fines if convicted.
The altercation occurred during a routine traffic stop in Oklahoma City, where ICE agents pulled over a vehicle. Melgar-Rivas, a 34-year-old Honduran national, refused the officer’s demands to exit the vehicle, leading to a struggle as officers attempted to remove him. According to the complaint, Melgar-Rivas shifted the vehicle into drive and fled, leaving an ICE officer trapped in the door of the vehicle as it accelerated. The officer was dragged on a road for nearly a block as Melgar-Rivas tried to escape, the complaint states. The officer ultimately freed himself and sustained multiple injuries. ICE agents involved in the incident, from Dallas, shared two photos showing the injured agent’s scraped, bloodied upper thigh and a bruised and bandaged arm.
Melgar-Rivas was arrested several hours later, and ICE shared a photo with an agent holding each arm of a handcuffed Melgar-Rivas once he was taken into custody. The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted that Melgar-Rivas faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that aims to repel illegal immigration, eliminate cartels, and protect communities from violent crime. The incident underscores the escalating tensions surrounding border enforcement and the challenges faced by federal agents.
The Department of Homeland Security has reported a 700% increase in assaults against ICE agents and other immigration enforcement officers in the first six months since President Donald Trump returned to office. The Trump administration has committed to holding perpetrators accountable, as seen in the recent charges brought against more than a dozen defendants following the July 4 attack against an ICE detention center in Alvarado, Texas, where a police officer was shot in the neck while defending the center. The FBI captured a Marine Corps reservist believed to have opened fire on the officer and correctional officers that night. Additionally, Los Angeles has experienced a surge of anti-ICE demonstrations since June, but the Pentagon has scaled down the National Guard deployment to the city, citing reduced lawlessness.
The incident has prompted authorities to reaffirm their commitment to the safety and integrity of law enforcement personnel. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester stated, ‘Ensuring the safety of law enforcement personnel in executing their lawful duties is paramount, and it remains a top priority of the Justice Department.’ Travis Pickard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas special agent in charge of North Texas and Oklahoma, added, ‘Violence and any threats of violence to a federal officer in the performance of their duties will result in an immediate and collaborative law enforcement response to track down the perpetrator.’ The FBI also emphasized its dedication to defending public servants, with FBI Oklahoma City acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Ogden stating, ‘We will continue to aggressively support and defend our fellow public servants so they can safely carry out their sworn duties.’