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Woman Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Immigration Arrest, Faces Eight Years in Prison

Tampa woman pleaded guilty to obstructing federal agents, aiding escape during an immigration arrest.

November 13, 2025, 2:24 PM

Close-up rear view of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer's uniform and vest.

A close-up of the back of a stab-proof vest clearly marked "POLICE ICE" on a federal officer's uniform. By Copyright Lawrey / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

Luz Mary Vasquez Cruz, 45, pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, impeding, or interfering with federal agents during an immigration arrest in Tampa.

Vasquez Cruz and a co-defendant obstructed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and shoved one, enabling a Honduran national to escape custody.

Vasquez Cruz faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison, and a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, while her co-defendant’s case is pending trial.

Laws and Precedent

The defendant pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, impeding, or interfering with federal agents, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. This charge specifically relates to obstructing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents during an immigration arrest, highlighting the serious legal consequences for interfering with federal law enforcement duties.

A Tampa woman, Luz Mary Vasquez Cruz, 45, pleaded guilty on Thursday to forcibly assaulting, resisting, impeding, or interfering with federal agents during an immigration arrest in Tampa, Florida. The plea stems from an incident where Vasquez Cruz obstructed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, allowing a Honduran national to escape custody.

Case Details

According to court records, HSI agents were attempting to arrest a Honduran national at a Tampa residence when Vasquez Cruz and co-defendant Alfredo Javier Fuentes emerged. The pair positioned themselves between the agents and the individual targeted for arrest.

Vasquez Cruz and Fuentes then reportedly shoved an agent backward, creating an opportunity for the subject of the arrest to flee into the residence and subsequently escape through a back window. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced the guilty plea on November 13, 2025.

Legal Consequences

Vasquez Cruz now faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison for her actions. A specific sentencing date for her has not yet been scheduled by the court.

The case against her co-defendant, Alfredo Javier Fuentes, is currently pending trial. Both individuals were charged in connection with the obstruction of federal duties.

Investigation and Prosecution

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into the incident. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

Outlook

Vasquez Cruz’s guilty plea underscores the serious legal repercussions for interfering with federal law enforcement operations. The Department of Justice continues its pursuit of justice, with the co-defendant’s case still moving through the legal system.