Two staff members at a surgery center in San Bernardino County have been charged with assaulting and interfering with United States immigration officers. The charges come after the officers attempted to detain an illegal alien at the facility, according to a federal criminal complaint announced by the Justice Department.
Jose de Jesus Ortega, 38, from Highland, was arrested and is set to appear in U.S. District Court in Riverside. Law enforcement is currently searching for Danielle Nadine Davila, 33, of Corona.
Both Ortega and Davila face charges of assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to prevent a federal officer from performing his duties through force and intimidation.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “This story is another example of a false narrative echoed in the media in furtherance of an agenda to delegitimize federal agents.” He added that regardless of one’s occupation or location, interference with federal operations will lead to arrest and federal charges.
The affidavit filed with the complaint reveals that on July 8, two ICE officers were conducting operations in Ontario. They were following a truck carrying three men when it turned into a surgery center parking lot. As they approached the men exiting the truck, two fled. One fleeing man from Honduras resisted detention near the entrance before being assisted by medical staff inside.
Ortega and Davila allegedly obstructed the arrest process. Davila reportedly inserted herself between an officer and the alien while shouting commands at the officer; Ortega allegedly grabbed the officer’s arm and vest.
Despite resistance from multiple staff members observed by another ICE officer who arrived for assistance, officers eventually detained and handcuffed the alien before leaving with him.
A criminal complaint contains allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted, Ortega and Davila could face up to eight years for assaulting a federal officer and six years for conspiracy.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading this investigation while Assistant United States Attorney Cory Burleson prosecutes the case.
