United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods has announced charges against Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national residing illegally in Bellevue, Nebraska. On June 19, 2025, Hurtado-Cariaco was charged by criminal complaint with attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer resulting in bodily injury.
Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation sought to arrest Hurtado-Cariaco on an immigration-related warrant when they encountered him in Sarpy County. The agents conducted a traffic stop, during which Hurtado-Cariaco exited his vehicle with his arms raised but resisted arrest.
According to the complaint, Hurtado-Cariaco is suspected of being a member of Tren de Aragua. He allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with one agent, causing the agent to sustain injuries after striking their head and elbow on the pavement. A second agent intervened to subdue Hurtado-Cariaco, who then placed the injured agent in a chokehold before breaking free and fleeing. He was later apprehended at his apartment without further incident.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Deadly violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated by this Department of Justice.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added that the prosecution underscores their commitment to protecting law enforcement officers from violent attacks.
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods emphasized that “violence against federal law enforcement officers in the line of duty will not be tolerated in Nebraska,” praising the agents for maintaining professionalism despite facing potentially fatal violence.
Hurtado-Cariaco appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson on June 20, 2025. The judge ordered him detained pending a preliminary hearing set for June 24, 2025. It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains accusations and that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, Hurtado-Cariaco faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. The case is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
