Penitas man charged with impeding federal law enforcement during arrest of others

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 19-year-old man for impeding and interfering with federal law enforcement agents in the course of their duties, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Diego Masiel Torres remains in custody following the filing of the original criminal complaint. He will remain there pending his appearance on the charges in the indictment.

On Aug. 27, authorities were conducting a consensual worksite enforcement operation in Harlingen, according to the charges. Upon their arrival, several people allegedly fled from the area.

While authorities attempted to apprehend an illegal alien, Torres allegedly attempted to physically remove a law enforcement officer from that person.

"The Southern District of Texas is committed to fully enforcing our country's immigration laws, and anyone who tries to stop a federal agent from carrying out this mission will be held accountable before a judge and jury," said Ganjei. "So, the message is simple. Don't end up on the wrong end of a federal indictment - keep your hands to yourself."

If convicted, he faces up to eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Salazar is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.