Two Charlotte residents, Cristobal Maltos and Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez, have been charged in federal court with felony assault, resisting, or impeding federal officers during immigration enforcement operations. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Both men, aged 24, are accused of using their vehicles in separate incidents to interfere with law enforcement officers. Maltos appeared in court and was released on bond, while Martinez remains in custody following his initial appearance.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson clarified that these charges are unrelated to recent organized protests in Charlotte. “Those who disagree with immigration enforcement actions have a right to peacefully protest, and I am proud that our citizens exercised their First Amendment rights without resorting to violence at organized protests over the weekend,” said Ferguson. “I am also thankful to the law enforcement officers who were present to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Ferguson added: “The charges against the defendants, however, allege acts of violence targeting law enforcement officers. As always, we will stand up for our law enforcement community and vigorously prosecute anyone who endangers them while they do their job.”
According to court documents regarding Martinez’s case, on November 16 federal officers observed his van at two locations where immigration operations were underway. When approached by officers, Martinez allegedly fled at high speed and drove erratically through traffic before ramming his van into a government vehicle occupied by four federal officers. He continued fleeing until he was stopped and arrested.
In the incident involving Maltos on November 17, federal agents from U.S. Border Patrol and ICE noticed a Black Honda Civic following them during an operation. After initially reversing away from contact with agents, Maltos reportedly resumed following them. When approached again by uniformed Border Patrol officers—one of whom leaned over the car’s hood—the vehicle moved forward and struck the officer with its side mirror before stopping and reversing slowly. Officers then removed Maltos from the car and arrested him.
The announcement was made jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office along with U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.
Authorities emphasized that both individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
