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Border Patrol Agent Attacked in Houston Area
HOUSTON, Texas – Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, a 36-year-old Mexican national, is facing federal charges after allegedly strangling a Border Patrol agent while en route to a Houston-area detention facility.
According to court documents, Mendez wrapped his arm around the agent’s neck as his accomplice, Juan Carlos Padron Barron, grabbed the agent’s belongings and fled on foot. Authorities apprehended both men.
The alleged attack occurred on January 20, 2025. Mendez is currently facing charges of strangulation and is being held without bond.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced a record number of cases filed in immigration and border security-related matters from January 20 to December 31, 2025. A total of 13,964 cases were filed, with 6,404 people facing charges of illegal entry and 6,574 alleged to have entered the country illegally after being previously removed.
Many of those charged had prior felony convictions involving narcotics, violent crimes, and immigration offenses. An additional 889 people were accused of engaging in human smuggling crimes, while the remaining 264 faced border security-related charges.
Operation Take Back America, an initiative created by the Southern District of Texas, targets criminal illegal aliens who are currently on probation following convictions for state crimes. The enforcement effort has led to federal charges against 95 individuals, including a convicted murderer.
Ganjei stated, ‘For those that want to come to this country without permission and then victimize American citizens once here, we are more than happy to accommodate them with a stay at a federal facility, followed by a one-way ticket home.’
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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