⏱ 2 min read
Enrique Lopez-Mejia, a 41-year-old Guatemalan man, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for attacking an ICE officer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The assault occurred when Lopez-Mejia, who was in the US for the eighth time despite being deported seven times, attempted to evade immigration agents. He drove erratically, stopped abruptly, and then fled from his car, pushing an officer to the ground and wrestling with him until other officers intervened.
Lopez-Mejia’s history of illegal reentry into the US dates back to 2005, when he was first ordered removed by an immigration judge. Since then, he has been deported seven times, with his most recent removal being in 2016. Despite being subject to a lifetime ban from the US, Lopez-Mejia continued to return, racking up convictions for illegally re-entering the country and committing state offenses.
The incident that led to Lopez-Mejia’s current sentence occurred when ICE officers attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by him and other illegal aliens. Lopez-Mejia’s actions during the arrest resulted in an officer suffering a knee injury that required medical treatment. US Attorney Timothy VerHey emphasized the importance of supporting immigration officers, who put themselves in harm’s way to enforce the law.
Lopez-Mejia’s sentence reflects the seriousness with which the court views attacks on law enforcement officers. After completing his 24-month sentence, he will be removed to Guatemala once again. The case highlights the challenges faced by immigration authorities in dealing with repeat offenders who continue to disregard the law and put the lives of officers at risk.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Michigan
- Location: MI
- Source: DOJ Press Release
