Man gets 7-plus years in prison for trying to kill Border Patrol agent in Arizona

PHOENIX — A 23-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to over seven years in prison for violently attacking a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Arizona last year, authorities said.

Rey David Marquez-Jimenez of Mexico, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder of a federal officer in October, was sentenced to 85 months behind bars, to be followed by three years of supervised release, by a U.S. District Court judge in Tucson.

“Most noncitizens who enter the United States do so peacefully, and with the intention of seeking a better life for their families,” District of Arizona U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino said in a press release.

“To the small number of undocumented aliens who ignore law enforcement commands and engage in aggressive behavior, be warned: We will vindicate the rights of Border Patrol agents by prosecuting violent offenders commensurate with their unlawful actions.”

Marquez-Jimenez attacked a border agent who was trying to handcuff another individual near Hereford in Cochise County on Jan. 26, 2022.

The suspect tackled the agent and wrestled his gun out of its holster, pointed the gun at the agent and then tried to stab him with a knife, according to prosecutors.

Marquez-Jimenez fled on foot after the agent gained control of the knife and was taken into custody by other agents.

“This agent fought for his life while working to protect the American people and safeguard our borders,” Akil Davis, special agent in charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office, said in the release. “Assaults on law enforcement officials continue to occur and this is just one of the thousands that happened in 2022.

“The FBI remains committed to ensure that those who commit acts of violence against law enforcement officials will be brought to justice.”

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