A Honduran national, Jose Walter Nieto-Castellanos, 31, has been indicted in New Orleans for allegedly assaulting a federal officer. The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson and stems from an incident on October 14, 2025.
According to court documents, Nieto-Castellanos is accused of forcibly assaulting a United States Border Patrol Agent by striking the back of a law enforcement vehicle with his white Toyota Tundra while the agent was performing official duties.
If convicted under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a)(1) and (b), Nieto-Castellanos could face up to twenty years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He also faces a potential fine of up to $250,000 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson stated: “An indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration and targeting criminal organizations. The operation brings together resources from programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Simpson commended United States Customs and Border Protection for its investigative work. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters, Jr., from the General Crimes Unit, is leading the prosecution.
