Recent enforcement operations by U.S. federal agencies reflect an ongoing effort to uphold border security and ensure that immigration laws are followed. These cases span from confrontations at checkpoints to investigations targeting smuggling networks and repeat offenders. Together, they illustrate how seriously federal authorities treat threats to public safety and the integrity of the border.
Assault on a Border Patrol Agent in Katy, Texas
One case in Katy, Texas, resulted in a federal prison sentence after a dangerous encounter involving a Border Patrol agent. According to court records, 26-year-old Kevin Dominguez was driving on U.S. Highway 57 on August 1, 2023, when he approached a designated Border Patrol checkpoint. A trained canine alerted agents to possible movement in the trunk of his sedan, prompting a more thorough inspection.
When instructed to stop, Dominguez chose instead to reverse his vehicle, striking a Border Patrol agent before fleeing the scene. His attempt to escape set off a high-speed pursuit, with a USBP helicopter later capturing footage of two individuals running from the car into a nearby field. Authorities soon identified one of them as an undocumented noncitizen from Honduras.
Dominguez was charged on a two-count federal indictment issued on September 13, 2023, and was arrested the following day. He later pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024. For his actions — including injuring a federal agent and attempting to smuggle a concealed passenger — he was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.
The case serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face at the border and the consequences for those who attempt to evade or endanger them. It also reflects the ongoing efforts of federal agencies to respond swiftly and firmly when safety and legal boundaries are violated.