Overview

• Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, were taken back into custody and charged following an alleged choking of a female Border Patrol agent during transport in Conroe on Sept. 22.
• According to the criminal complaint, Mendez allegedly wrapped his arm around the agent’s neck at a red light as Barron exited the vehicle and fled; the agent called for help, both men were apprehended, and she has recovered.
• Both defendants face charges of assault and resisting or impeding a federal officer that carry up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine, plus up to one year and $100,000 if convicted of escape.
• The FBI is leading the case with assistance from ICE–HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, CBP/Border Patrol, the Harris County Constable’s Office–Precinct 5, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and police in Conroe, Houston and Pasadena.
• Authorities say the men were first detained during an ICE-led operation near Spring; ICE reports Barron has prior expulsions in December 2022 and January 2023 while this is Mendez’s first recorded encounter, and DOJ lists the case under Operation Take Back America.