ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Mexican national who authorities say entered the United States illegally has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a federal immigration agent during a traffic stop and triggering a multi-agency investigation.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, members of its Criminal Alien Apprehension Team (CAAT) and agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a traffic stop on June 16 near Americana Boulevard and Pointe Vista Circle in Orange County.
During the stop, several occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot, investigators said.
An ICE agent pursued one of the fleeing individuals, later identified as Elias Bautista, and attempted to take him into custody. Authorities allege Bautista actively resisted detention and continued trying to escape.
During the struggle, investigators say Bautista struck the ICE agent, causing a significant head injury before fleeing the area.
Following the incident, investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence, CAAT, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Homeland Security Investigations launched an extensive investigation to identify and locate the suspect.
Authorities said investigators utilized surveillance footage, intelligence gathering, witness interviews, law enforcement databases, and other investigative resources to track Bautista.
On June 18, investigators located Bautista and conducted a targeted operation with assistance from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and ICE.
Officials said Bautista again resisted law enforcement efforts before being taken into custody.
He was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, a felony offense under Florida law.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner praised the coordinated effort that led to the arrest.
“Every day, our State Troopers and law enforcement partners demonstrate exceptional professionalism and courage as they carry out their duties to protect the people of Florida,” Kerner said in a statement. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts between our local and federal partners, the suspect was quickly identified, located, and taken into custody.”
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami Field Office Director Matthew Elliston also condemned assaults against law enforcement officers.
“Assaulting and obstructing law enforcement officers is a felony, and anyone who does so will be fully prosecuted,” Elliston said.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding Bautista’s immigration proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing.