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Two employees at the San Bernardino County Surgery Center are accused of assaulting an immigrant official in federal court and obstructing a U.S. immigration and customs enforcement investigation, according to a federal criminal complaint sealed by the U.S. Lawyer’s Office.
Jose de Jesus Ortega, 38, of Highlands, was arrested Friday morning and was expected to make his first appearance at U.S. District Court in Riverside later that day. Federal authorities are still searching for a second suspect, Daniel Nadine Davila, 33, of COVID-19.
The charges stem from an incident in which Ortega and Davira allegedly interfered with federal agents as Ortega and Davira attempted to arrest a man suspected of being in the country illegally. Both have been charged with attacking federal officers and conspiracy to interfere with officers through force or intimidation.
“This story is another example of a false story that resonated in the media to promote the agenda to outlaw federal agents,” US lawyer Bill Essay said in a statement. “The illegal foreigners arrested inside the surgical centre were not patients. He ran in for cover and these accused tried to stop their anxiety by attacking our agents. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you work.
The conflict began after two immigration officers carrying three adult men in roving immigration enforcement activities in Ontario followed a truck carrying three adult men. The vehicle was pulled into the parking lot of a local surgery centre, and as two men approached the agent they fled on foot.
One of the fugitive individuals listed in court documents, described as illegally present in the United States as a Honduras national and was initially detained near the front door of the surgical center. However, he resisted the arrest, and officials argued, and both he and one of the agents fell to the ground during the brawl. Medical staff then intervened, helping the man to his feet, pulling him away from his federal agent and running to the building.
Once inside, the complaint alleges Ortega and Davira, both wearing medical scrubs, will stand up to federal agents in an attempt to stop their arrest. Davila reportedly snatched herself between the officer and the suspect, yelling, “Let him go!” Then he pressed the immigration officer to “Go out!” Ortega is said to have grabbed the officer’s arm to stop the pursuit before grabbing his vest.
Another immigration officer responded to the scene after seeking assistance, and staff physically involved with the first officer were observed. The agent eventually manages to restrain the man and escort him from the building.
If convicted, Ortega and Davila each face up to eight years on an eight-year assault charge in federal prison and up to six years due to conspiracy to obstruct federal officials.
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by a Homeland Security Survey.
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