Guatemalan Citizen Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer

ALPINE – Robinson Mendoza-Gomez, 22, a Guatemalan citizen, was sentenced on Monday to 21 months for assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on December 14, 2021, Border Patrol agents near Van Horn attempted to apprehend a group of suspected undocumented noncitizens.  Mendoza demanded one of the agents release a person in the group.  Mendoza then charged and struck the agent injuring the agent’s face.

“An assault on a federal officer is detrimental to a peaceful society and impacts us all,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan.  “The United States Attorney’s Office takes such violations seriously and will vigorously prosecute them.”

“The men and women of the United States Border Patrol work tirelessly to keep our borders safe every day,” said FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey.  “Assaults on Border Patrol agents or any other law enforcement officer will not be tolerated and will be investigated swiftly by our office so they can continue to carry out their sworn duty to protect our community and nation.”

On March 2, 2022, Mendoza pleaded guilty to one count of Forcibly Assaulting a Federal Officer.  Mendoza has remained in federal custody since his arrest on December 14, 2021.

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott V. Greenbaum prosecuted the case.

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