Illegal Immigrant Charged After Violent Clash with ICE Agents in Pittsburgh

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A 33-year-old Nicaraguan man living illegally in Pittsburgh, Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez, has been indicted on charges of assaulting federal officers after allegedly ramming an ICE vehicle, trying to grab an agent's gun, and biting an officer during a confrontation following his failed attempt to purchase a firearm as an undocumented immigrant.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and undocumented immigrants, as well as the potential for violence when individuals without legal status attempt to illegally obtain firearms in violation of federal law.

The details

According to the indictment, Davila-Perez tried to purchase a gun from a local dealer in Pittsburgh, but the sale was blocked when the dealer discovered he was a Nicaraguan national living in the U.S. illegally. When ICE agents later attempted to pull Davila-Perez over, he allegedly rammed their vehicle, fought with the officers, elbowed one in the face, tried to take an agent's gun, bit another officer's arm, and struck an agent with handcuffs before being subdued.

• On December 17, 2025, ICE agents attempted to pull over Davila-Perez to take him into custody for immigration violations.
• On Wednesday, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Davila-Perez on a charge of assaulting a federal officer.

What’s next

Davila-Perez remains in custody pending the resolution of the case, which could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if he is convicted.