Mexican National Charged with Assaulting a Federal Officer

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 24-year-old Mexican female has been charged with physically assaulting a Border Patrol (BP) agent who was attempting to restrain her, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Maribel Tejeda-Fomperosa is set to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya this morning.

“In the last few months, we have seen the amount of incidents of aggression against our agents rise,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla Jr. “Assaults against our agents are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our agency is working with state and federal prosecutors to ensure the safety our agents while in the field and in operational settings.”

According to the criminal complaint, Tejeda-Fomperosa physically assaulted a BP agent and also spit on a second agent. On Oct. 24, 2016, BP agents arrested Tejeda-Fromperosa after she allegedly made an illegal entry into the United States by wading across the Rio Grande River near Brownsville. The criminal complaint alleges Tejeda-Fromperosa became become physically and verbally aggressive after being placed in a holding cell following her arrest. As a result, she physically assaulted a BP agent attempting to restrain her and spat at a second agent. 

If convicted, Tejeda-Fromperosa faces a possible sentence of up to eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.