A New Jersey man arrested for allegedly assaulting federal immigration officers with a hammer faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the violent act.
According to a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey, Reinieri De Jesus Licona Amador, a 27-year-old illegal alien from Honduras, escalated an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on October 4 in Gibbsboro.
During a license plate check as part of another federal operation, ICE officers identified the truck registered to Licona Amador. When approached, the suspect allegedly reached into a tool container and pulled out a hammer, refusing orders to stop moving. The complaint states that Licona Amador climbed out of the vehicle and swung the hammer multiple times at two officers before being subdued with pepper spray. He was later arrested after refusing medical treatment.
Special Agent Michael McCarthy, head of Homeland Security Investigations in New Jersey, stated: “Threats, violence, and obstruction directed at federal law enforcement officers are unacceptable and jeopardize the safety of both our personnel and the public.”
Licona Amador, who is also identified as having a prior final order of removal, was arrested Monday. If convicted on the assault charge, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
