Jorge Cuevas-Morales/Mexico/Assault

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Jorge Cuevas-Morales in Dallas, Texas. The Mexico national — here illegally — faces charges of assault.

Assault charges involving illegal aliens draw attention from both local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, initiating two separate legal processes on independent timelines. State prosecutors handle the criminal charge while federal immigration authorities pursue removal separately. Cuevas-Morales now faces criminal penalties under state law and, independently, a federal immigration matter that will determine whether deportation to Mexico is ordered.

Federal authorities have placed Cuevas-Morales in immigration detention pending the outcome of removal proceedings. A Department of Justice immigration court will determine whether Cuevas-Morales is deported to Mexico.