Russian National Charged After Allegedly Biting ICE Officer During Arrest in Los Angeles

Maksim Zaitsev, 35, faces up to 20 years in prison for assaulting a federal officer during his detention on an administrative warrant.

Maksim Zaitsev, a 35-year-old Russian national residing in Costa Mesa, was arrested on February 25 under an administrative warrant issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
During his arrest at a federal building in downtown Los Angeles, Zaitsev allegedly resisted and bit an ICE officer’s pinky, breaking the skin, drawing blood, and fracturing the finger.
Federal prosecutors have charged Zaitsev with felony assault on a federal employee resulting in bodily injury, a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The incident occurred as ICE officers attempted to escort Zaitsev to a processing area after his detention; he reportedly became agitated and resisted officers' attempts to control him.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally emphasized the importance of ICE officers in maintaining national security and public safety, stating that Zaitsev would be held accountable for his actions.