Jose Melgar-Rivas, a 35-year-old Honduran national, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, resulting in bodily injury. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to court records, the incident occurred on July 15, 2025, when ICE officers stopped Melgar-Rivas during a traffic stop on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. Melgar-Rivas, who had entered the United States illegally, refused commands to exit his vehicle. When officers tried to remove him from the car, he resisted and a struggle followed.
During the altercation, Melgar-Rivas put his vehicle in drive and attempted to flee. An ICE officer became caught in the door of the vehicle and was dragged along the road as it accelerated. The officer eventually freed himself but suffered multiple serious injuries. Melgar-Rivas escaped but was arrested several hours later.
“The defendant’s reckless decisions to resist, assault, and flee from law enforcement resulted in serious injury to an ICE officer,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who put law enforcement officers and the community at risk will be held accountable. I commend the coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners and the prosecutors who worked to secure justice for the injured officer.”
Travis Pickard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Special Agent in Charge, commented: “This sentencing sends a clear message: Attacks on federal officers will not be tolerated. Our officer endured life-altering injuries simply for doing his job protecting our communities and enforcing the law. HSI stands resolute in defending our personnel and ensuring those who threaten their safety are held fully accountable,” he said. “We are grateful for the unwavering support of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in securing justice for our colleague and his family.”
FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater added: “This defendant made a conscious decision to turn his vehicle into a weapon, a blatant act of contempt for human life and the rule of law,” he said. “Today’s sentencing sends an indisputable message: the FBI stands firmly behind our law enforcement partners, and we will act decisively to defend them.”
A federal grand jury indicted Melgar-Rivas on August 5, 2025, with charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury. He pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025.
U.S District Judge Bernard M. Jones II handed down the sentence at today’s hearing, noting both the harm caused to the victim and danger posed by Melgar-Rivas’ actions.
Following completion of his prison term, Melgar-Rivas will be deported.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations; FBI Oklahoma City Field Office; U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement Removal Operations; Oklahoma City Police Department; with assistance from U.S Marshals Service. Assistant U.S Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted this case.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice focused on addressing illegal immigration issues as well as combating cartels and violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
