Guatemalan National Indicted in Border Patrol Agent Beating

A 20-year-old Guatemalan national, Elias de Jesus Gregorio de Paz, was indicted today on federal charges for violently assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Uvalde, Texas, leaving the officer with a confirmed concussion. The attack occurred on November 19, 2016, as agents responded to reports of undocumented individuals near a stopped train.

The federal grand jury in Del Rio returned the indictment charging Gregorio de Paz with one count of assault on a federal officer—a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. According to court records, agents encountered two undocumented individuals at the rail line. One fled immediately. Gregorio de Paz did not. Instead, he launched a physical assault on the agent as the officer attempted to make contact.

The confrontation was swift and brutal. The Border Patrol agent sustained a concussion during the altercation, forcing medical evaluation and temporary removal from duty. Gregorio de Paz ran from the scene but was apprehended three days later by Border Patrol agents operating in the Del Rio area. He has remained in federal custody since his capture.

“Assaults on our agents will not be tolerated,” warned Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak. “These types of incidents are a staunch reminder of the dangerous work Border Patrol Agents do.” The statement underscores rising tensions along the southern border, where agents increasingly face violent resistance during routine interdictions.

The FBI’s San Antonio Division led the investigation, working in tandem with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Harle is prosecuting the case, which has yet to be assigned a court date. Federal authorities stress that attacks on law enforcement—especially those interfering with official duties—are met with the full weight of the justice system.

Elias de Jesus Gregorio de Paz’s indictment sends a clear message: border law enforcement operates under federal protection, and violent acts against agents will be met with maximum penalties. As the case moves forward, federal prosecutors are expected to present medical reports, agent testimony, and field evidence to solidify the charges.

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