Alleged Tren de Aragua Gangster Attacks ICE Officer During Immigration Raid

Vile photo shows gruesome bite mark left on federal agent's arm after violent struggle.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:40pm

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Federal prosecutors have released a shocking photo showing the gruesome bite mark left on an ICE officer's arm after an alleged member of the violent Tren de Aragua gang attacked him during an immigration raid near San Diego's Mission Bay. The suspect, Robert Antonio Bastardo Llovera, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, is accused of biting the officer and kicking another during a five-minute struggle before being subdued and arrested.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers faced by federal immigration officers as they carry out their duties, as well as the ongoing threat posed by transnational criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua, which have been blamed for a surge in violent crimes across the U.S. The case also raises questions about border security and immigration enforcement policies.

The details

According to prosecutors, Bastardo, a 32-year-old member of the Tren de Aragua gang, was among a group of suspects targeted in an immigration raid in the beachside area near San Diego. When officers tried to take Bastardo into custody for an immigration violation, he violently resisted, engaging in a five-minute struggle that ended with him biting one ICE officer on the forearm and kicking another in the chest. The bite left a gruesome purple bruise with clear tooth marks visible on the officer's skin.

  • The incident occurred on July 15 during an immigration raid near San Diego's Mission Bay waterfront.
  • Bastardo was previously ordered removed by an Immigration Judge on June 10 after failing to appear for court.

The players

Robert Antonio Bastardo Llovera

A 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela and alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang who attacked ICE officers during an immigration raid.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon

The federal prosecutor who stated that his office will continue to prioritize the protection of federal officers engaged in their lawful duties.

Tren de Aragua

A violent transnational criminal organization based in Venezuela that has been blamed for an explosion of crime, including murders, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking, across the United States.

Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas

An alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua gang who was recently arrested in Los Angeles on murder and kidnapping charges for crimes committed in Chile.

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What’s next

Federal authorities have not yet indicated whether Bastardo will face deportation after serving his sentence for assaulting the ICE officer.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies as they contend with violent transnational criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua, which have become an increasingly serious threat to public safety across the United States.