Julio Cesar Garcia-Espinoza, a 29-year-old Mexican citizen living illegally in the United States, was sentenced on April 14 to 15 months in custody for using false identification documents and assaulting federal agents during his arrest, according to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey.
The case highlights the risks faced by law enforcement officers during routine duties and underscores ongoing efforts to address document fraud and violence against federal agents. Garcia-Espinoza’s sentence follows his guilty plea earlier this year.
Prosecutors said Garcia-Espinoza entered the United States illegally in 2022. He used a false permanent resident card and a Social Security number not assigned to him to obtain employment at Riedstra Dairy, Ltd., in Mendon, Michigan. After being indicted by a federal grand jury, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents attempted to arrest him on September 24, 2025. During the arrest attempt, he resisted by kicking, biting, spitting, yelling, and cursing at officers. One agent was bitten on the chest with enough force that it broke the skin and required medical treatment.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said: “I consider this to be a serious case. All too often, our law enforcement officers are injured while doing the job we ask them to do. When most of us go to work each day, we don’t have to seriously worry about being attacked. They do. These officers deserve the respect and gratitude of all of us, and they will always receive the full support of my office when they are endangered while doing their jobs.”
Garcia-Espinoza pleaded guilty on January 7, 2026. Upon completion of his sentence he will face removal proceedings that could result in deportation back to Mexico.
Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Detroit said: “There are serious consequences for those who commit fraud and resort to violence against law enforcement… Our special agents put themselves at risk every day to uphold the law and protect our communities… HSI remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the integrity of our immigration system and ensure the safety of our officers and the public.”
The Grand Rapids office of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Daniels.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative involving resources from across the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
