A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agent was violently assaulted by an illegal alien from Venezuela during an ICE Homeland Security Investigations led operation to apprehend a known Tren de Aragua terrorist in Bellevue, June 18. The illegal alien identified as Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco will face federal charges including attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer with infliction of bodily injury.
“The widespread attack on our officers and agents must stop now,” said Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge of ICE HSI Kansas City, which covers Omaha. “Federal agents across the United States are facing an alarming surge in violent attacks, many by illegal aliens who have no right to be in this country. These are not isolated incidents. What happened to this agent, here in the Heartland, is part of a disturbing trend where foreign nationals, already violating our laws by their presence in the U.S., escalating to violent assaults and attempted murder against the very agents sworn to protect our homeland and it will not be tolerated.”
ICE HSI Omaha conducted a traffic stop on Hurtado Carriaco as part of a targeted operation to execute a federal arrest warrant. As ICE HSI and their law enforcement partners attempted to take him into custody, Hurtado-Cariaco launched a brutal and premeditated assault on an ICE HSI special agent. During the attack, the illegal alien threw the ICE HSI agent to the ground, slammed her head into the pavement, ripped off her body armor, and made repeated and physical violent contact. The agent sustained serious injuries to her head and arm and was immediately transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for treatment.
Following the attack, Hurtado-Cariaco fled the scene but was apprehended approximately an hour later by ICE HSI-coordinated law enforcement teams.
The special agent has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. An FBI agent was also assaulted by Hurtado-Cariaco during the operation.
“ICE special agents and officers put their lives on the line every day and should not have to fear being ambushed or attacked while carrying out their lawful duties,” continued Zito.
“Thankfully, the agents survived, and the assailant will be met with swift justice.”
This investigation is being led by HSI Omaha with assistance from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, the FBI, DEA, the Omaha Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
“I hope these violent offenders hear me loud and clear,” concluded Zito. “We will not be deterred and will continue to hold the line, no matter the threat.”
