Del Rio, Texas - Two Salvadoran nationals were sentenced to prison recently for an attack on a U.S. Border Patrol agent last year.

Saul Ernesto Carcamo-Henriquez, 39, and Carlos Enrique Campos-Carcamo, 19, both of El Salvador, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer - 18 USC § 111 - in December. On June 7, Carcamo-Henriquez was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, and Campos-Carcamo was sentenced to 27 months.

“Our agents take on an arduous task in carrying out their lawful duties on a daily basis,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rodolfo Karisch. “There are serious consequences to dangerous and willful acts.

“Assault on a Border Patrol agent is a federal offense for which we will always seek prosecution.” 

On Feb. 18, 2015, a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station gave chase to Carcamo and Campos after seeing both subjects jump a high fence frequently used by illegal immigrants attempting to further their entry into the United States. Once the agent approached the individuals, both subjects became combative and attempted to choke the agent and reached for his service-issued weapon and baton. Fearing for his life, the agent fired his service weapon at his attackers, striking Campos. Carcamo stopped his assault and absconded from the area.

EMS personnel were summoned to the scene to provide medical attention to Campos, who was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening injury from a gunshot wound. Carcamo was quickly apprehended with the assistance of a CBP Air and Marine Operations helicopter pilot and transported to the Carrizo Springs Station for processing. Both were determined to have entered the country illegally.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.