Man In U.S. Illegally Dragged ICE Officer With Car During MN Arrest: Feds

ST. PAUL, MN — A Guatemalan citizen previously convicted of sexually abusing a minor has been federally charged with dragging a U.S. immigration officer during a traffic stop in St. Paul, according to federal prosecutors.

Roberto Carlos Munoz, 39, faces a federal charge of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon resulting in bodily injury, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota announced.

"Munoz had no legal right to be in this country—and certainly not free in the community after a conviction for sexually abusing a minor," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis.

"Instead of complying with a lawful immigration arrest, he chose to violently resist — dragging a deportation officer with his vehicle and putting that officer’s life at risk. The FBI takes any assault on a federal officer with the utmost seriousness, and we are committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure this individual is held fully accountable. There is no tolerance for this kind of violence—not against federal agents, not against local officers, not against anyone who wears a badge."

Court records show that in December 2022, Munoz was charged with repeatedly sexually abusing a minor. He was later convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony.

Following his arrest in that case, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer for Munoz. However, local authorities did not honor the detainer, and he was released from custody, federal authorities said.

On June 17, federal immigration officers attempted to arrest Munoz in St. Paul based on an administrative warrant related to his immigration status.

According to the charges, agents, wearing gear marked "POLICE," initiated a traffic stop. Munoz refused repeated orders to roll down his windows and open the car doors, authorities said.

When he continued not to comply, one officer used a window punch to break the rear window and reached into the vehicle in an attempt to unlock the door, according to investigators.

At that point, Munoz put the vehicle in drive, trapping the officer’s arm in the broken window and accelerating, authorities said. The officer was dragged along the street as Munoz swerved, jumped a curb, and drove erratically in what officials described as an effort to dislodge the officer.

Prosecutors say the officer deployed his Taser twice but was unable to stop Munoz. The officer was eventually thrown from the vehicle after being dragged about 100 yards.

He was taken to a hospital and treated for multiple injuries, including deep cuts on both arms that required stitches, as well as abrasions on his face, elbows, and knee.

Munoz continued driving and was not immediately arrested. Details on his apprehension were not included in the court filing.

"Law enforcement officers deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our protection," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. "Defendant Munoz—a convicted sex offender illegally present in the country—violently assaulted a federal officer who was just trying to do his job. The injuries the officer sustained were severe but could have been so much worse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has no tolerance for violence against law enforcement officers."

"This was a brazen and cowardly act by a criminal illegal alien who has complete disregard for the laws of our country and clearly places himself above the lives of others," said Peter Berg, ICE ERO Field Office Director for St. Paul. "The deportation officer involved in this incident—someone who has dedicated his life to upholding the law and protecting this nation—was severely wounded by a fleeing suspect who should have never been in the United States in the first place."

These cases are a result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, ERO, and HSI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael B. Coburn is prosecuting the case.