Federal prosecutors charge two men with assaulting federal officers during immigration operations, unrelated to peaceful protests in Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two men have been charged with using their vehicles to assault federal officers conducting immigration enforcement operations, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday, emphasizing the charges are unrelated to peaceful protests that took place over the weekend.
Cristobal Maltos, 24, and Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez, 24, each face felony charges of assault, resist, or impede a federal officer.
Martinez appeared in federal court Monday and remains in custody. Maltos had his initial court appearance Tuesday and was released on bond.
Officials drew a clear distinction between the criminal allegations and the organized demonstrations that have occurred in Charlotte in recent days.
“Those who disagree with immigration enforcement actions have a right to peacefully protest, and I am proud that our citizens exercised their First Amendment rights without resorting to violence at organized protests over the weekend,” US Attorney Russ Ferguson said in a statement. “I am also thankful to the law enforcement officers who were present to ensure everyone’s safety.”
However, he added: “The charges against the defendants, however, allege acts of violence targeting law enforcement officers. As always, we will stand up for our law enforcement community and vigorously prosecute anyone who endangers them while they do their job.”
According to the criminal complaint against Martinez, federal officers attempted to contact him Saturday after his van was observed at two locations where immigration operations were underway. As officers approached, Martinez allegedly fled at high speed, ignoring lights and sirens.
The complaint alleges Martinez drove erratically through traffic, crossed medians and sidewalks, and drove into oncoming traffic on North Tryon Street before ramming his van into a government vehicle occupied by four federal officers with lights and sirens activated. He continued fleeing before being apprehended, according to prosecutors.
In the second incident Monday, federal officers with U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement observed a black Honda Civic appearing to follow them during an operation, according to the complaint against Maltos.
When five uniformed Border Patrol officers attempted to speak with Maltos, one officer leaned over the vehicle’s hood. The complaint alleges Maltos moved the vehicle forward, striking the officer with the driver’s side mirror, before reversing. Officers then removed Maltos from the vehicle and arrested him.
