Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Arrest of Illegal Alien for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Maria Del Carmen Negrete Raya, an illegal alien from Mexico, on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer following an attack on federal immigration officers during an immigration enforcement operation in Fort Myers on August 19, 2026.

"Florida will not tolerate anyone-especially those who shouldn't even be in our country-attacking our law enforcement officers," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "Our federal partners are here to enforce the law and defend America's sovereignty. Those who assault them will face the full weight of the law. Thanks to the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Florida Highway Patrol, ICE, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office for investigating this case and bringing this illegal alien in to face justice."

On August 19, 2026, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Fort Myers attempted to stop a vehicle registered to a non-U.S. citizen.

After the vehicle's occupants fled, Negrete Raya aggressively confronted the officers, charged toward their vehicle in an attempt to enter it, and kicked and punched the officers, including striking one in the groin. The officer sustained minor injuries as a result. ICE ERO disengaged to de-escalate.

Negrete Raya, 39, entered the United States without inspection. Along with the millions of other illegal aliens allowed into the country during the Biden administration, she filed an asylum application in 2023. She is amenable to removal as an alien present without admission or parole.

She was arrested on three counts of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer in violation of Florida Statute 784.07(2)(b). Once the charges are reclassified, they will be second-degree felonies under Florida Statute 775.0848 due to her status as an unauthorized alien and punishable by up to 15 years in prison per count.

This case was initiated by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, which also provided substantial assistance in the investigation and legal counsel. The investigation was conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence in coordination with Fort Myers ICE ERO and the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

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