Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gervais man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Jairin Anzaldua-Ervin, 29, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 4, 2025, Anzaldua-Ervin was part of a group of individuals trespassing on the driveway of the ICE building in South Portland. Law enforcement officers gave multiple warnings to the group to clear the driveway. Rather than move as directed, Anzaldua-Ervin forcefully threw a water bottle at a law enforcement officer, hitting the officer in the chest. Anzaldua-Ervin was then taken into custody for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. 

“Throwing water bottles, or any object for that matter, at federal law enforcement officers is not protesting – it’s a crime – and perpetrators will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I thank the brave members of federal law enforcement who have protected federal employees and the ICE building for more than 110 consecutive nights.”

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 30 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Anzaldua-Ervin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.  He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

CHICAGO — An alleged ranking member of a Chicago street gang has been charged in federal court with soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official involved in the immigration enforcement operation known as “Operation Midway Blitz.”

A criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges JUAN ESPINOZA MARTINEZ, 37, of Chicago, with one count of murder-for-hire.  Martinez was arrested this morning.  His initial appearance in federal court has not yet been scheduled.

According to the complaint, Martinez is a ranking member of the Latin Kings, a street gang that has engaged in acts of violence and other illicit activities in Chicago and elsewhere.  Martinez stated in a Snapchat message, “2k on information when you get him” and “10k if u take him down,” the complaint states. Included in the message was a photo of the senior law enforcement official, who has recently participated in immigration enforcement operations in Chicago on behalf of the U.S. Border Patrol, an agency within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the complaint states.

The complaint and arrest were announced by Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago.

“Placing a bounty on the head of a federal officer is an attack on the rule of law and on every American who depends on law enforcement to keep them safe,” said Deputy Attorney General Blanche.  “This case is exactly what we mean when we say Take Back America – taking back every neighborhood and street corner from violent thugs and criminal gangs and returning them to the law-abiding members of our communities.  The Department of Justice will never allow violent gangs or criminal networks to target those who protect our borders and our communities.  We will use every authority, every resource, and every partnership at our disposal to bring anyone who threatens or harms our officers to justice – swiftly and decisively.”

“Putting a price on the life of a law enforcement officer is a line that can never be crossed,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.  “The defendant’s actions in this case demonstrate a profound contempt for human life and public safety.  Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will hold defendants accountable for their grave criminal actions and ensure that no federal officer has to fear for their life for doing their job.”

“The arrest of this ruthless and violent member of the Latin Kings, a criminal organization notorious for its cruelty and disregard for the law, highlights the steadfast commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and those who uphold justice,” said HSI SAC Scarpino.  “Targeting a senior federal officer is a brazen and direct assault on the rule of law, and HSI will remain persistent in dismantling violent gangs like the Latin Kings that threaten public safety.”

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Longtime Puget Sound area resident recently completed FBI detail to Washington DC

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been charged for assaulting an officer which resulted in deep head wounds, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava is now in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

On Oct. 1, federal and state authorities were conducting immigration enforcement activities in Houston, according to the charges. They allegedly attempted to stop a vehicle Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava was driving and activated their emergency lights, but he did not yield and began to evade. The charges allege they surrounded Cruz-Nava’s vehicle, at which time he jumped out and fled on foot.

An agent with the Texas Department of Public Safety in uniform began to chase Cruz-Nava, according to the allegations. The charges allege the agent eventually caught up with him and attempted to grab his shirt, but Cruz-Nava slid out of the garment and continued to flee. The agent then allegedly attempted to secure Cruz-Nava by wrapping his arms around him, but Cruz-Nava lunged and threw him into a wrought iron fence.

The charges allege Cruz-Nava fled again, but authorities soon took him into custody.

The agent was injured during the scuffle and sustained two deep head wounds, according to the complaint.  

“Those who attack law enforcement officers are attacking the American system of justice,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas has a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who does so. The message is clear—comply with officer directives and keep your hands to yourself.”

If convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a person assisting a federal officer, Cruz-Nava faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.  

FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and DPS. Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Ganz 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.

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

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

CHICAGO – Two individuals have been charged in federal court with using their vehicles to assault, impede, and interfere with the work of federal agents in Chicago.

According to a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, MARIMAR MARTINEZ and ANTHONY IAN SANTOS RUIZ used their vehicles to strike a vehicle being driven by an agent of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Saturday morning near the intersection of West 39th Street and South Kedzie Avenue on Chicago’s Southwest Side.  Two other CBP agents were also in the government vehicle. After striking the agents’ vehicle, the defendants’ vehicles boxed in the agents’ vehicle, the complaint states. The agent was unable to move his vehicle and exited the car, at which point he fired approximately five shots from his service weapon at Martinez, the complaint states.

Martinez drove off but paramedics discovered her and her vehicle at a repair shop about a mile away.  Martinez was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where she received treatment for gunshot wounds, the complaint states.

Ruiz also drove away after the collisions, but law enforcement located him and his vehicle at a gas station about a half block away, the complaint states.  Both defendants remain in law enforcement custody, pending initial appearances in federal court in Chicago.

The complaint charges Martinez, 30, and Ruiz, 21, both of Chicago, with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer.

The federal charges were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.

The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents following his arrest on federal drug distribution charges.

Ezequiel Ramos Hernandez, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with multiple felony crimes including Assaulting Federal Agents and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.

According to court documents, on October 1, 2025, the FBI, along with the Woodburn and Salem Police Departments, executed a search warrant at Ramos Hernandez’s Woodburn hotel room. Agents seized distributable quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. FBI agents arrested Ramos Hernandez and began driving him to be lodged on federal drug distribution charges. During the transport, Ramos Hernandez managed to escape from the moving vehicle while handcuffed. Two FBI agents chased Ramos Hernandez who actively resisted and was observed kicking one of the FBI agents in the face multiple times.  Ultimately, FBI agents were able to subdue Ramos Hernandez with the assistance of multiple civilian witnesses. Ramos Hernandez later told an FBI agent that he tried to escape from agents because he thought he was being deported. 

Defendant Ramos-Hernandez made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.

Assaulting a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

CHICAGO – Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and federal law enforcement leadership in Chicago today issued the following statements regarding ongoing criminal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago:

“As U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, my office will enforce all federal criminal laws and protect our federal employees and property.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys will staff the FBI-led command post on a daily basis to monitor real-time developments and take swift action as needed when criminal offenders assault, obstruct, or impede law enforcement personnel or destroy federal property.  During this surge, we have filed federal charges against more than 12 individuals and continue to review cases for additional criminal charges.   The people of Chicago deserve safe streets and peaceful neighborhoods, and we will deliver justice on their behalf.”

-Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois

             

Federal law enforcement leaders in Chicago echoed U.S. Attorney Boutros’s statement:

“We speak with one voice when we say that we expect any protest or assembly in Chicago to remain peaceful.  There is no place for violence against law enforcement officers, obstruction of justice, or destruction of federal property.  Any criminal actions taken against the brave men and women in uniform will be met with swift criminal prosecution.  Our agencies will continue to work closely with each other to execute federal law fully and completely.”

-Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI

-Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago

-Russell Hott, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago

-LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director of the Chicago Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

-Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives

-Shane Catone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division

-LaDon A. Reynolds, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois

U.S. Attorney Boutros also remarked:

“As I have emphasized repeatedly (see here, here, and here), we are a law and order district.  We vigorously prosecute crimes in all program areas.  We will not hesitate to hold accountable those who attack and undermine the rule of law, including by resorting to violence and criminal mischief to interfere, obstruct, or impede the important work of the federal government as it is conducted in the Northern District of Illinois.  The entire federal law enforcement partnership in Chicago also thanks Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall, all of the other judges in the Northern District of Illinois, and Clerk of Court Thomas G. Bruton for their leadership and hard work in ensuring that Chicago’s federal courtrooms remain open to handle the increased volume of criminal cases being presented before the Court for adjudication.”

-Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.— Defendant Julie Winters, 47, of Portland, pleaded guilty yesterday to Felony Intimidation of a Federal Officer and Resisting Arrest.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2025, Winters brandished a large knife and swung it back and forth at officers in an attempt to intimidate the officers when they engaged with Winters at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

On August 20, 2025, Winters reported to the Pretrial Services Office after violating the conditions of her pretrial release. As federal law enforcement attempted to arrest Winters on a federal warrant, she resisted arrest by causing forcible contact with U.S. Deputy Marshals after the U.S. Marshals attempted to place the defendant under arrest.

Winters will be sentenced in December 2025 before a U.S. District Court Judge.

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Protective Service, ICE, and the United States Marshals Service. These cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) helicopter in the Portland metro area.

Hector Miranda-Mendoza, 35, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft.

According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, law enforcement identified Miranda-Mendoza as an individual who targeted multiple aircraft with a laser pointer, including a CBP helicopter. Lasers can cause blindness and spotting in vision, making it a challenge for pilots to identify other aircraft and obstacles, which could lead to a catastrophic event. CBP used an on-board mapping system to locate the origin of the laser at a Portland residence.  Investigating officers contacted the defendant who admitted he recently purchased the laser and knew it was strong. Defendant reported he thought the helicopter was a drone and he remembered flashing the helicopter four or five times. Law enforcement seized the laser pointer and referred this matter for federal prosecution.   

“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft endangers lives and is a federal crime. This conduct put the lives of CBP personnel and the community directly at risk, and my office will aggressively pursue those who engage in this illegal activity,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“The laser strike on a CBP helicopter over the skies of Portland put our community at risk and endangered the lives of federal law enforcement officers. This activity is unacceptable, and FBI Portland will aggressively pursue anyone anywhere targeting federal agents, especially those currently holding the line at the Portland ICE facility,” said Douglas A. Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 29 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Miranda-Mendoza made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.

Aiming a laser pointer is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, California, was sentenced today to 97 months in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempting to kill a United States Supreme Court Justice. The Department of Justice advocated for a sentence of at least 30 years to life.

“The attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was a disgusting attack against our entire judicial system by a profoundly disturbed individual,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will be appealing the woefully insufficient sentence imposed by the district court, which does not reflect the horrific facts of this case.”

“Nicholas Roske will now pay the price for attempting to assassinate a Supreme Court Justice in a violent plot to alter the court’s composition and its rulings,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Violence against federal judges or other public officials is unacceptable and will be met by the full force of the law. The FBI will work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to detect and stop these schemes and protect our nation.”

“Politically motivated violence has no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O’Hayes for the District of Maryland. “The attempt to assassinate a Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, unconscionable act that must be met with the full weight of the law. We, along with our federal partners, are committed to relentlessly pursuing, prosecuting, and punishing anyone involved in planning and executing these brazen, violent crimes. Violence against others will not be tolerated.”

“Roske flew across the country armed with a gun and zip ties, prepared to kill at least one sitting Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States because of how he imagined the Justice would rule,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “No public servant, let alone a Justice, should have to consider his safety or that of his family’s in discharging his duty. Even in failure, Roske’s plot violated that basic tenet and threatened judicial independence, a critical component of the rule of law.”

As part of a guilty plea, Roske admitted that on June 7, 2022, Roske flew from Los Angeles International Airport to Dulles International Airport with a firearm and ammunition in a checked suitcase. Roske then took a taxi from the airport to Montgomery County, Maryland, with the intent to kill the Supreme Court Justice.

On June 8, 2022, at approximately 1:05 a.m., two Deputy U.S. Marshals, protecting the residence of a Supreme Court Justice, observed Roske arrive in and get out of a taxi in front of the residence. Roske wore dark clothing and had a backpack and suitcase. As Roske would tell a Detective later that morning after being arrested and Mirandized, “I noticed immediately that there were people sitting outside and this was a very like empty neighborhood, so I was like, okay, they’re keeping a lookout.  So then I went around the house on the other side[.]”

Shortly after, Roske told a Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center call taker that Roske was having homicidal and suicidal thoughts, had a gun in his suitcase, and flew from California to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice.

MCPD officers responded to the location and took Roske into custody. A search of Roske’s suitcase and backpack revealed a firearm; black tactical chest rig and tactical knife; two magazines, each containing 10 rounds of ammunition; 17 additional rounds of ammunition; pepper spray; zip ties; a hammer; screwdrivers; nail punch; crowbar; pistol light; duct tape; hiking boots with padding on the outside of the soles; and lock-pick tools, along with other items.

Law enforcement transported Roske to a MCPD station. After being Mirandized, Roske stated that Roske was upset about a recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Roske also admitted that he came from California with the intent to use the firearm and burglary tools and to kill the Supreme Court Justice. When asked “If everything was clear, what was your plan to do?,” Roske responded, “Break in [and] shoot” the Associate Justice.

The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, MCPD, and Supreme Court Police Department investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao for the District of Maryland prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.