SAN JOSE, CA – A federal grand jury has formally indicted Francisco De-Jesus Morales, a 25-year-old national of Nicaragua, on charges stemming from an alleged assault on three U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officers. The incident reportedly occurred at an ICE facility in San Jose on May 2, 2025, as officers were attempting to take Morales into custody for deportation.
The indictment, filed on June 12, 2025, follows an initial complaint lodged in May 2025. Morales made his first appearance in federal court on June 4, 2025, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen ordered him remanded into custody.
Authorities indicate that Morales allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee from the deportation officers. This led to a physical struggle, during which both Morales and the officers sustained injuries requiring medical treatment. The officers’ reported injuries included bruising, scrapes, an ankle stress fracture or strain, a chest contusion, and a groin injury.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian affirmed a firm stance against violence targeting federal officers. He stated that such actions would be met with the full force of the law, emphasizing the commitment to protecting residents and supporting law enforcement partners in the Northern District of California. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Ciapas echoed this sentiment, underscoring HSI San Francisco’s serious view on assaults against federal agents.
The indictment specifically charges Morales with forcibly assaulting one of the deportation officers, resulting in significant groin bruising. This charge falls under 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1) and (b). Additionally, Morales faces charges for assaulting two other officers, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1).
Morales is scheduled for arraignment on the indictment on June 24, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.
It is important to note that an indictment is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Should Morales be convicted of the charges, the potential penalties are substantial. For the charge of assault on a federal officer inflicting bodily injury (Count One), he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Conviction on Count Two, charging assault on a federal officer with physical contact, carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For Count Three, misdemeanor assault on a federal officer, the maximum sentence is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Any sentence imposed after conviction would be determined by the court, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant federal statutes.
The prosecution of this case is a result of an investigation conducted by HSI, with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Lord and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Nedrow leading the legal proceedings.
