Maribel Tejeda-Fomperosa Charged in Border Patrol Assault

A 24-year-old Mexican national, Maribel Tejeda-Fomperosa, is facing federal charges after physically assaulting a Border Patrol agent attempting to restrain her, the Department of Justice announced from Brownsville, Texas.

Tejeda-Fomperosa allegedly became violent following her arrest on October 24, 2016, after wading across the Rio Grande River in an unauthorized entry into the United States. Once placed in a holding cell, she turned physically and verbally aggressive, according to the criminal complaint filed by federal prosecutors.

As agents moved to control the situation, one was struck by Tejeda-Fomperosa during a physical struggle. She also spat at a second Border Patrol agent, prompting additional charges related to assaulting a federal officer. The FBI took over the investigation, confirming the severity of the incident.

“In the last few months, we have seen the amount of incidents of aggression against our agents rise,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla Jr. “Assaults against our agents are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our agency is working with state and federal prosecutors to ensure the safety our agents while in the field and in operational settings.”

Tejeda-Fomperosa is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya for her initial hearing. If convicted, she faces up to eight years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro is leading the prosecution.

A criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Maribel Tejeda-Fomperosa is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process of law. The case underscores rising tensions along the southern border and the dangers federal agents face during routine enforcement operations.