Nicaraguan Faces Federal Charges for Assaulting 3 ICE Agents in San Jose

Several individuals have recently faced federal charges for assaulting or threatening U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during enforcement actions. Francisco De-Jesus Morales, a 25-year-old Nicaraguan national, was indicted for assaulting three ICE deportation officers at a San Jose facility, including grabbing an officer's testicles, causing significant injuries; he faces up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. In San Antonio, Michelle Lee Varela was charged with threatening an ICE agent over the phone during a lawful immigration action concerning her husband's status, potentially facing up to 10 years in prison. In Brownsville, Texas, Maria Isabel Cruz-Salas was charged with assaulting an ICE agent during a worksite inspection, having kicked the agent in the face; she faces up to eight years in prison. These cases highlight the challenges ICE officers face during enforcement efforts and underline federal authorities' commitment to prosecuting violence or threats against law enforcement personnel. The prosecutions are part of broader initiatives to support immigration enforcement and community safety.