El Salvadorian National Faces Federal Charges After Alleged Attack on ICE Officers in Maryland

A national of El Salvador has been charged with assaulting federal officers in connection with an incident that occurred during a traffic stop in Howard County, Maryland. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced the criminal complaint against Santos Alvarenga-Rodriguez, 47, alleging he resisted arrest and caused injuries to law enforcement personnel.

The complaint details that on January 18, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers initiated a license plate inquiry during an investigation of Alvarenga-Rodriguez’s vehicle. The system flagged his Maryland driver’s license with a restriction code indicating he might not be legally present in the United States. Following this discovery, officers conducted a traffic stop and positively identified Alvarenga-Rodriguez. According to the complaint, when officers issued commands for him to exit the vehicle, he refused. The situation escalated when Alvarenga-Rodriguez reportedly started the vehicle and moved the gearshift into drive. As officers attempted to prevent him from fleeing and to take him into custody, he resisted. During the struggle, Alvarenga-Rodriguez is accused of biting one officer on the forearm and causing a laceration to another officer’s nose.

This prosecution is part of a broader initiative by the Department of Justice known as Operation Take Back America. This operation aims to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and enhance community safety by prosecuting individuals involved in violent crimes.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland highlighted the work of ICE-ERO in investigating this case. The federal prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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