Illegal immigrant accused of ramming ICE car, biting agents after failed gun purchase in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: A Nicaraguan man living in the United States without legal status has been indicted for allegedly attacking federal immigration officers in Pittsburgh, authorities said, in a case that highlights ongoing concerns about violent resistance during immigration enforcement operations.
The man allegedly rammed an ICE vehicle, attempted to seize an agent’s gun, and bit an officer after a failed effort to purchase a firearm, leading to federal charges that could carry decades in prison.
Immigrant tries to buy gun illegally
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted 33-year-old Darwin Alexander on Wednesday, Feb 4, on a charge of assaulting a federal officer.
The investigation began when the Department of Homeland Security learned that Davila-Perez had tried to buy a gun from a local dealer.
During that transaction, he allegedly claimed to be a US citizen.
The sale was blocked after the dealer discovered he was a Nicaraguan national with no legal status in the US. Federal law prohibits those in the country illegally from possessing or purchasing guns.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to pull Davila-Perez over to take him into custody for immigration violations.
When agents activated their emergency lights, Davila-Perez didn’t pull over and fought back, according to authorities.
Nicaraguan assaults an officer
According to the indictment, Davila-Perez slammed his car into reverse, hitting an occupied law enforcement vehicle before jumping out to run.
During the ensuing struggle, he allegedly elbowed one officer in the face, tried to pull an agent’s service weapon from its holster, bit an officer’s arm, and struck an agent in the forehead with a pair of handcuffs.
The whole time, officers shouted commands in both English and Spanish for Davila-Perez to stop and show his hands.
However, authorities say he ignored those orders until he was eventually subdued.
The struggle left several agents with bite wounds, scrapes, and bruises that required medical treatment.
Davila-Perez was eventually subdued and taken into custody.
He remains detained pending trial and could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both if convicted, officials said.
What happened in Pittsburgh is just one piece of the bigger, heated conversation about immigration enforcement right now.
Federal agents have a tough job, especially when they run into people without legal status who fight back or get violent.
Police leaders keep saying that officers learn to calm things down first, but when someone pushes back and things get dangerous, they have to use force to keep people safe.
