A Mexican human smuggler has received a slap on the wrist for assaulting a Border Patrol Agent.
The 32-year-old Manuel Duarte-Ibarra, of Mexico, was sentenced this week by United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez to 12 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Duarte-Ibarra pleaded guilty to one count of Assault on a Federal Officer on July 3, 2024.
According to the Department of Justice, on February 21, 2024, near Newfield, Duarte-Ibarra was encountered by a United States Border Patrol agent. When the agent attempted to place him in handcuffs, Duarte-Ibarra jerked his hands away and attempted to run. During a struggle, Duarte-Ibarra kicked the agent in the chest multiple times while they were on the ground.
Duarte-Ibarra admitted to agents that he was in the area to illegally transport undocumented noncitizens. Duarte-Ibarra also admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine.
