The district attorney in Colorado has charged a federal immigration officer with third-degree assault and criminal mischief, which the Department of Homeland Security labeled as an “illegal” and “political stunt.”
Eric P. Murray, the DA for Colorado’s Sixth District, announced Tuesday that Nicholas Rice, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, is facing two charges resulting from an altercation that took place between October 27 and 28 during an immigration operation in Durango, Colorado.
According to Ann Francesca Sturge, who reported the incident, Rice accidentally dropped her phone during a protest outside the ICE facility in Durango. Video evidence shows Sturge holding up her cellphone when the officer then seized it from her.
In the footage, Sturge appears to touch the officer’s shoulder as she moves away, prompting the officer to physically restrain her, leading to a confrontation with other federal agents.
Sturge also claimed that the officer had placed him in a chokehold, alleging that he still experiences pain when he puts on his jacket.
The charges followed an investigation initiated by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, directed by Durango Police Department Chief Bryce Current. DHS, however, has argued that this prosecution is politically motivated and maintains that only federal agencies have the authority to investigate their personnel acting within the scope of their duties.
Authorities are continuing to look into the matter.
