Two staff members at the Ontario Surgery Center in San Bernardino have been charged with assaulting federal ICE agents attempting to detain an illegal alien. Jose de Jesus Ortega, 38, and Danielle Nadine Davila, 33, face serious charges following the incident.
The Justice Department announced that Ortega was arrested on Monday morning and is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Riverside this afternoon. Law enforcement officials are still seeking Davila, who resides in Corona.
Ortega and Davila are accused of assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to prevent by force and intimidation a federal officer from discharging his duties. United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized that the arrested individual was not a patient but an illegal alien who sought refuge inside the surgery center, leading to the altercation.
An affidavit filed on Thursday details how ICE officers were following a truck when it turned into the surgery center’s parking lot. The officers pursued one of the men and detained him before resistance ensued. According to witnesses, Ortega and Davila attempted to obstruct the arrest by physically interfering with the agents.
Homeland Security Investigations is currently investigating the matter, with Assistant United States Attorney Cory Burleson prosecuting the case. If convicted, the defendants could face up to eight years in federal prison for the assault charge and up to six years on the conspiracy count.
The charges underscore the ongoing struggle between law enforcement agencies and those who obstruct immigration operations. The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related Federal Cases
- NY AG Leads Campaign Against Masked ICE Agents · District of Columbia
- NY AG James Pushes for ICE Identity Bill · Washington
- James Slams ICE Raids as Unconstitutional in LA · New York
- Attorney General James Leads Legal Assault on Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze · District of Columbia
- San Jose’s Omar Gonzalez Given 14-Year Sentence for Meth Trafficking · California
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News