South Texas man charged for assaulting federal officer during arrest enforcement operation

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A South Texas man has been indicted for impeding and interfering with federal law enforcement agents in the course of their duties following an investigation conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations in the Rio Grande Valley. Diego Masiel Torres, 19, of Penitas, Texas, was charged in connection with a criminal complaint. According to court documents, on Aug. 27, law enforcement officers were conducting a consensual worksite enforcement operation in Harlingen, Texas, when several individuals unlawfully present in the country fled the area. While authorities attempted to apprehend one of the individuals, Torres allegedly tried to physically remove a law enforcement officer from the person.

"Homeland Security Investigations takes the safety and integrity of our operations very seriously," said acting HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. "We will not tolerate actions that obstruct or interfere with our agents as they carry out their lawful duties to protect our communities and enforce federal laws. Those who attempt to hinder our efforts will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

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