Yaniuska Ordaz-Echevarria, Assaulting Federal Officers, Texas 2023

Yaniuska Ordaz-Echevarria, a 31-year-old Cuban national, has been found guilty of assaulting two Border Patrol agents at the Javier Vega Checkpoint in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The jury delivered their verdict after a one-day trial, deliberating for approximately 25 minutes. The guilty verdict was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The incident occurred just before midnight on January 31, when Ordaz-Echevarria arrived at the checkpoint as a passenger on a commercial bus. Law enforcement removed her to inquire about her citizenship status, but she was unable to produce any identification or documents indicating she was in the United States lawfully.

Ordaz-Echevarria became irate with authorities, refusing to answer their questions. When law enforcement attempted to peaceably escort her into a holding cell, she swung her fists violently and kicked at the agents. Multiple agents were required to restrain her, during which time she continued to resist and cause injury.

Two of the Border Patrol agents injured during the incident testified and described their experiences attempting to subdue Ordaz-Echevarria. The jury also saw exhibits documenting their injuries as well as a video depicting Ordaz-Echevarria’s belligerent behavior.

The defense attempted to convince the jury that Ordaz-Echevarria’s actions were unintentional, but the jury was not persuaded. They found Ordaz-Echevarria guilty of the charges brought against her.

U.S. District Judge David Morales will preside over the sentencing hearing on September 28. At that time, Ordaz-Echevarria faces up to eight years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She has been and will remain in custody pending the hearing.

The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yifei Zheng and Dennis Robinson are prosecuting the case.

Related Federal Cases