Mexican National Charged With Assaulting Federal Officer

Could Go to Prison For 8 Years

After illegally entering the United States by wading across the Rio Grande River from Mexico, a 24-year-old Mexican woman physically attacked a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer and spat on another border agent, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Souther District of Texas.

The woman, Maribel Tejeda-Fomperosa, has been charged with physical assault on a federal officer who was attempting to restrain her, said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

"In the last few months, we have seen the amount of incidents of aggression against our agents rise," said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla Jr. in statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. "Assaults against our agents are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our agency is working with state and federal prosecutors to ensure the safety our agents while in the field and in operational settings."