Nicaraguan Man Charged With Assaulting ICE Officer in Pittsburgh

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A 33-year-old Nicaraguan man living illegally in Pittsburgh's Mount Washington neighborhood has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during an attempted apprehension in December. According to the indictment, Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez forcefully resisted arrest, backing his vehicle into a law enforcement car, elbowing an officer, attempting to take an officer's weapon, biting an officer's arm, and striking an officer in the forehead with handcuffs.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges ICE officers face when attempting to detain individuals who are in the country illegally, especially those who may have a history of criminal behavior or resistance to law enforcement. It also raises questions about immigration enforcement policies and procedures in major U.S. cities.

The details

Davila-Perez, a Nicaraguan citizen, was previously denied the purchase of a firearm from a federal firearms licensee after claiming to be a U.S. citizen, which is illegal for those without legal status. When ICE officers tried to detain him, Davila-Perez allegedly became violent, ramming a police car, assaulting multiple officers, and attempting to take an officer's weapon before being subdued and arrested. The officers suffered injuries including contusions, abrasions, and a bite mark.

• In December, ICE officers attempted to detain Davila-Perez.
• Davila-Perez was previously denied a firearm purchase in an earlier incident.

What’s next

Davila-Perez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. A judge will determine whether he will be allowed bail pending trial.