SDTX charges two illegal aliens for choking federal agent during escape

HOUSTON - A pair of Mexican nationals have been taken into custody for strangling a Border Patrol agent in her vehicle during their escape en route to a detention facility in the Houston area, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

The criminal complaint alleges that on Sept. 22, authorities encountered Mendez and Barron and determined they were in the United States illegally. Law enforcement took them into custody and secured both men with flexicuffs in a Border Patrol vehicle in order to transport them to a detention facility.

The charges allege that, while en route to the detention facility, the Border Patrol agent stopped at a red light and heard a seatbelt unbuckling. When she turned towards the back seat, Mendez quickly wrapped his arm around her neck and began choking her, according to the complaint.

During the incident, Barron allegedly exited the vehicle, retrieved both men's personal belongings from the front seat, and fled on foot. Mendez then released the agent and also fled the scene, according to the complaint.

The agent was able to immediately call for assistance, after which authorities apprehended both men.

The agent allegedly reported fearing for her life but has since recovered.

"The Southern District of Texas has zero tolerance for those who assault law enforcement," said Ganjei. "Let it be known: if you lay a hand on an officer, deputy, or federal agent, SDTX will do whatever it can to put you in federal prison for as long as the law will allow. You've been warned."

Barron and Mendez are both charged with assault, resisting or impeding a federal officer and face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine as well as another one year and up to $100,000 if convicted of escape from custody of an officer of the United States.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service as well as Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Harris County Constables Office - Precinct 5, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and police departments in Conroe, Houston and Pasadena. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.