Federal immigration authorities say an officer was assaulted during an arrest in central Louisiana after a criminal illegal alien allegedly bit an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer while resisting detention.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE officers were conducting an arrest in Tullos, Louisiana, when Maximiliano Perez-Perez attempted to flee by pushing officers and physically resisting. DHS said Perez-Perez then bit an ICE officer’s hand, breaking the skin and drawing blood. He is now facing charges for assaulting a law enforcement officer.
DHS identified Perez-Perez as an illegal alien who entered the United States at an unknown date and time without inspection or parole by an immigration officer.
“This criminal illegal alien is being charged with assault after he savagely bit a law enforcement officer in an attempt to evade arrest,” Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “DHS law enforcement is facing a 1,150% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats.”
McLaughlin said the department has documented a rise in violent resistance against ICE officers during enforcement operations, including incidents involving biting and attempts to use vehicles as weapons.
DHS officials attributed some of the escalation to public rhetoric and actions by sanctuary jurisdictions and elected officials that they say encourage illegal aliens to evade arrest.
“Many of these assaults, including biting and vehicle rammings, are happening as a direct result of sanctuary politicians encouraging illegal aliens to evade arrest,” McLaughlin said.
The department cited several recent examples of elected officials and local governments distributing information aimed at advising illegal aliens on how to respond to ICE encounters. DHS said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., hosted a webinar earlier this year providing guidance on avoiding arrest during ICE operations. DHS also referenced online videos and public materials released by Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom offering advice on recognizing ICE agents and responding to enforcement actions.
The department called on elected officials and public figures to avoid rhetoric that DHS says could place officers at risk during enforcement operations.
Perez-Perez remains in custody as the case proceeds.
