Mexican Man Charged After Assaulting Officer During ICE Operation in Houston

HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Mexican national who was living in Houston illegally has been charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer, resulting in serious head injuries, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The suspect, Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava, is in federal custody pending further proceedings.

According to court documents, on October 1, federal and state officers were conducting immigration enforcement operations in Houston when they attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Cruz-Nava. Authorities activated their emergency lights, but he allegedly refused to yield and began to flee.

When officers surrounded his vehicle, Cruz-Nava reportedly jumped out and ran on foot. A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) agent, wearing a uniform, pursued him. The complaint states that Cruz-Nava slipped out of his shirt to avoid capture and continued to flee. When the DPS agent caught up and attempted to detain him, Cruz-Nava allegedly lunged and threw the agent into a wrought iron fence, causing two deep head wounds.

Cruz-Nava fled again but was taken into custody shortly after.

“Those who attack law enforcement officers are attacking the American system of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas has a zero-tolerance policy toward anyone who does so. The message is clear—comply with officer directives and keep your hands to yourself.”

If convicted of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a person assisting a federal officer, Cruz-Nava faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Ganz is prosecuting the case.