A Mexican national who was deported and living illegally in the United States was sentenced Friday to 33 months in federal prison for ramming a federal law enforcement vehicle and seriously injuring an officer.
Case Overview
Roberto Carlos Galeana‑Guatemala, 21, pleaded guilty on June 18, 2026 to assaulting a federal officer and to being a deported alien found in the United States.
He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the assault charge, and up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the immigration violation.
At 4:25 AM on November 12, 2025, Homeland Security Task Force agents attempted to execute a court‑authorized arrest warrant outside a National City apartment complex. Agents positioned their vehicles in front of Galeana‑Guatemala’s car, identified themselves, and ordered him to stop.
“Our law enforcement agents and officers have our backs every day,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “We will hold accountable through federal prosecution anyone who puts them in harm’s way.”
Agents shouted “Police, don’t move!” multiple times. Galeana‑Guatemala paused, then accelerated toward the agents, forcing them to scatter. He struck a task force officer, who was thrown onto the street and suffered a fractured sternum.
“Law enforcement works every day to protect our communities and uphold the laws of our country. Violence and targeted attacks against those who serve will not be tolerated,” said Kevin Murphy, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations. “The sentencing of Roberto Galeana‑Guatemala to 33 months of federal custody sends a clear message that attacks against law enforcement are unacceptable and have significant consequences.”
After striking the officer, Galeana‑Guatemala continued to flee, colliding with another law enforcement vehicle before being apprehended on foot later that day.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Lauricella are prosecuting the case. Homeland Security Investigations – Marine Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Air and Marine Operations conducted the investigation.
