A federal grand jury has indicted Francisco De-Jesus Morales on charges of assaulting three U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officers at an ICE facility in San Jose. Morales, a Nicaraguan national, was initially charged by complaint in May 2025 and appeared in federal court on June 4, 2025, where he was remanded into custody by U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.
The indictment, filed on June 12, 2025, states that Morales allegedly assaulted the officers on May 2, 2025, as they attempted to take him into custody based on a warrant for his removal from the United States.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian commented on the incident: “Our office will not tolerate any form of violence against the brave men and women who keep us safe. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the residents of the Northern District of California and supporting our law enforcement partners.” He added that those who use violence against federal officers would face “the full force of the law.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Ciapas also addressed the situation: “HSI San Francisco does not take assaults on anyone, especially federal officers, lightly. We care deeply about the safety of our agents and partnering agencies.”
The complaint details that Morales resisted arrest and attempted to flee from the officers, leading to a struggle resulting in injuries for both Morales and the officers involved. The injuries included bruising, scrapes, an ankle stress fracture/strain, a chest contusion, and a groin injury.
Morales is charged with forcibly assaulting one officer causing significant groin bruising under 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1) and (b), as well as assaults on two other officers under 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1). His arraignment is scheduled for June 24, 2025.
If convicted on Count One—assault inflicting bodily injury—Morales faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For Count Two—assault with physical contact—he could receive up to eight years in prison with a $250,000 fine. Count Three—misdemeanor assault—carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The case is prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Lord and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Nedrow following an investigation by HSI.
An indictment indicates allegations have been made but presumes innocence until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
