Ontario Surgery Staffers Charged in ICE Assault

RIVERSIDE, CA – Two employees at an Ontario surgery center are facing federal charges after allegedly attacking U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during an attempted arrest. The incident, which took place July 8th, underscores a growing trend of brazen interference with federal law enforcement, according to authorities.

Jose de Jesus Ortega, 38, of Highland, was arrested this morning and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Riverside. Law enforcement is currently searching for Danielle Nadine Davila, 33, of Corona. Both are charged with assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to prevent by force and intimidation a federal officer from discharging his duties – charges that carry significant prison time.

“This story is another example of a false narrative echoed in the media in furtherance of an agenda to delegitimize federal agents,” stated United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “The illegal alien arrested inside the surgery center was not a patient. He ran inside for cover and these defendants attempted to block his apprehension by assaulting our agents. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you work, if you assault our agents or otherwise interfere with our operations, you will be arrested and charged with a federal crime.”

According to court documents, two ICE officers were conducting roving immigration enforcement operations in Ontario when they followed a truck carrying three men. The truck abruptly entered the surgery center parking lot, and two of the men fled on foot. One of the fleeing men, identified as an illegal alien from Honduras, was partially detained near the entrance before resisting, causing both him and the officer to fall. A medical staffer then intervened, assisting the alien and pulling him away from the officer. The alien then entered the surgery center, pursued by the ICE officer.

The affidavit details how Ortega and Davila actively impeded the officer’s attempt to make an arrest. Davila allegedly wedged herself between the officer and the alien, physically pushing the officer while shouting demands to “Let him go!” and “Get out!”. Ortega is accused of grabbing the officer’s arm and then his vest, further obstructing the arrest. Another ICE officer arriving on scene witnessed multiple staff members grabbing the first officer, before the suspect was finally detained and handcuffed.

A criminal complaint contains allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Ortega and Davila each face a statutory maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison on the assault count and up to six years in federal prison on the conspiracy count. The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant United States Attorney Cory Burleson handling the prosecution.

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