Guatelmalan National Indicted for Assaulting a Border Patrol Agent Near Uvalde, Texas

In Del Rio today, a federal grand jury indicted a 20-year-old Guatemalan national for assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent last month announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr. and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division. 

The indictment charges Elias de Jesus Gregorio de Paz with one count of assault on a federal officer.

The indictment alleges, on November 19, 2016, Gregorio de Paz intentionally assaulted a U.S. Border Patrol agent while the agent was engaged in the performance of his duties.  According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Uvalde, TX, area encountered a two undocumented aliens on or around a stopped train.  One undocumented alien absconded.  The other, Gregorio de Paz, engaged in an altercation with the agent causing him to suffer a concussion.  Gregorio de Paz fled the scene, but was captured three days later by U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio area.

Gregorio de Paz remains in federal custody.  No court dates have been scheduled.  Upon conviction, Gregorio de Paz faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the assault charge.

“Assaults on our agents will not be tolerated,” said Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak. “These types of incidents are a staunch reminder of the dangerous work Border Patrol Agents do.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Harle. 

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