Illegal Immigrants Face Charges for Attacking Law Enforcement Officers

Retired NYPD Sgt. Joseph Imperatrice calls for justice for detective Jose Mercedes, who was injured in a recent attack. Imperatrice, founder of Blue Lives Matter-NYC, highlights growing hostility towards law enforcement and urges better protection for officers.

Two illegal immigrants are set for arraignment in the Bronx, accused of stabbing detective Mercedes. Meanwhile, a separate incident in New Jersey involved a Honduran national, Reinieri De Jesus Licona Amador, who allegedly attacked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with a hammer during a traffic stop.

Federal prosecutors state that Licona Amador, 27, unlawfully present in the U.S., appeared in Camden federal court before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal. U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer emphasized the danger officers face daily, asserting that attacks against them undermine the rule of law.

“Federal officers put themselves in harm’s way to enforce the law and protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. “Violent attacks on federal officers will not go unanswered.”

According to the complaint, the incident began during a targeted ICE operation in Gibbsboro, New Jersey. Officers identified Licona Amador’s truck through a license plate check. Upon discovering his unlawful status, they attempted to pull him over.

As officers approached the vehicle, Licona Amador allegedly retrieved a hammer from the back seat. Despite repeated commands to stop, he refused to comply. He then moved to the passenger side, where he allegedly swung the hammer at officers.

Officers responded by using pepper spray and were able to subdue Licona Amador. He now faces charges of assaulting federal officers and risks up to 20 years in prison along with a potential $250,000 fine if convicted.