Russian National Charged with Assaulting ICE Officer

Maksim Zaitsev, a 35-year-old Russian national from Costa Mesa, has been charged with assaulting a federal employee after biting and fracturing the finger of an ICE officer during his arrest in downtown Los Angeles. Zaitsev was detained on an administrative warrant issued by the Department of Homeland Security, and he became agitated while being escorted for processing, leading to the altercation. The incident occurred after Zaitsev reported to the federal building as requested for a review of his immigration status. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles has stated that, if convicted, Zaitsev faces up to 20 years in federal prison. This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the actions of deportation officers. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the role of ICE in safeguarding national security and public safety.