Illegal Immigrants Accused of Stabbing NYPD Detective to Be Arraigned

Retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Imperatrice is calling for justice for detective Jose Mercedes, who was injured during a stabbing incident. This occurs as two illegal immigrants are set to face arraignment in the Bronx. Imperatrice, who started Blue Lives Matter-NYC, expresses concern about increasing hostility towards law enforcement and emphasizes the need for officials to safeguard those who serve the community.

In a related matter, a Honduran national, who is reportedly in the U.S. unlawfully, allegedly attacked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with a hammer during a recent traffic stop in New Jersey, according to federal prosecutors.

Reinieri De Jesus Licona Amador, 27, faces charges for assaulting federal officers and appeared in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal in Camden federal court on Monday, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

“Federal officers put themselves in harm’s way to enforce the law and protect the public,” remarked U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. He added, “When someone reacts to a traffic stop by attacking an officer with a hammer, it jeopardizes not just the officer’s safety but the rule of law itself. We will not tolerate violent assaults on federal officers and will ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

According to prosecutors, the confrontation occurred during a targeted ICE operation in Gibbsboro. Officers conducted a license plate check on a truck in the area, which was registered to Licona Amador. A subsequent review of his immigration status revealed he did not have lawful status in the United States.

Officers activated their emergency lights to pull over Licona Amador’s vehicle. The criminal complaint details that as officers approached, they observed him reaching into a tool container in the back seat where he picked up a hammer.

Despite orders to stop, Licona Amador allegedly resisted and moved to the passenger side of the truck. Officers attempted to secure him but were unsuccessful. He then climbed out of the passenger side, hammer in hand, disregarding police commands.

During the encounter, he allegedly swung the hammer at the officers. They responded by using oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray—commonly known as pepper spray—and managed to subdue him without injuries.

Licona Amador now faces serious charges, which could lead to a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine if he is convicted of assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon.