Honduran National Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Assaulting ICE Officer in Oklahoma City
AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File
Posted For: Layla Godey
Jose Melgar-Rivas, 35, a Honduran national, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after assaulting, resisting, and impeding a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court records, the incident occurred on July 15, 2025, when ICE officers conducted a traffic stop on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. Melgar-Rivas, who had entered the United States illegally, was driving the vehicle and refused officers’ commands to exit.
When officers attempted to remove him from the vehicle, a struggle began. During the confrontation, Melgar-Rivas placed the vehicle in drive and sped away. As the vehicle accelerated, an ICE officer became caught in the door and was dragged along the roadway. The officer eventually managed to free himself but suffered multiple serious injuries. Melgar-Rivas fled the scene but was arrested several hours later.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester said the defendant’s actions endangered both law enforcement and the community.
“The defendant’s reckless decisions to resist, assault, and flee from law enforcement resulted in serious injury to an ICE officer,” Troester said. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who put law enforcement officers and the community at risk will be held accountable. I commend the coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners and the prosecutors who worked to secure justice for the injured officer.”
A federal grand jury indicted Melgar-Rivas on August 5, 2025, charging him with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025, admitting that he interfered with an ICE officer and caused bodily injury.
Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas, said the case highlights the seriousness of attacks on federal law enforcement.
“This sentencing sends a clear message: attacks on federal officers will not be tolerated,” Pickard said. “Our officer endured life-altering injuries simply for doing his job protecting our communities and enforcing the law. HSI remains committed to defending our personnel and holding accountable anyone who threatens their safety.”
At a sentencing hearing Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones II ordered Melgar-Rivas to serve 78 months in federal prison. The judge emphasized the severe harm suffered by the officer and the danger Melgar-Rivas created through his actions.
FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater said the sentence reinforces the consequences of violent acts against law enforcement.
“This defendant made a conscious decision to turn his vehicle into a weapon, showing blatant disregard for human life and the rule of law,” Goodwater said. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that the FBI stands firmly with our law enforcement partners and will act decisively to protect them.”
After completing his prison sentence, Melgar-Rivas will be deported.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.
Officials said the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
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