Yesterday, Tuesday August 9, 2022, the US Department of Justice released a statement claiming that René Robert Ruiz had been sentenced to 68 months in prison after assaulting a Customs and Border Protection officer when he tried to cross into the US through the San Ysidro border crossing.

This incident occurred on May 17, 2021 when Ruiz tried crossing into the US through the San Ysidro port of entry. According to witnesses and judicial records, René Ruiz was aggressive, screaming at officers who were asking for documents so that he could be allowed into the US.

When the officer asked him to calm down, Ruiz answered that he was an American citizen and he should be able to get in. Moments later, he pushed the officer who was blocking his way. The officer was trying to restrain him so that he would stay behind the national limit line when Ruiz punched the officer in the head, which he continued to do while the officer tried to stop him. Ruiz’s blows caused a concussion and other injuries.

On October 13, 2021, Ruiz was convicted of two counts of assault on a federal officer. On October 29, 2022, a hearing to determine the financial penalty will be held.

For her part, Anne Maricich acting Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office, stated that violent acts against officers will not be tolerated. She also thanked San Diego USAO for ensuring justice was served.

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