ICE Recaptures Two Men After Alleged Strangulation of Border Patrol Agent in Conroe

Two men who broke free from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody have been recaptured by federal authorities following an alleged assault on a Border Patrol agent, according to officials. 

On September 22, an incident occurred in Conroe, resulting in the recapture of the men the following day after a coordinated search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Authorities have confirmed the identities of the individuals who escaped: Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, aged 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, aged 23, both of whom are from Mexico. While being transported to the Montgomery Processing Center, one individual allegedly strangled a female agent, leading to both escaping the vehicle at a red light, as stated in a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to sources from ICE and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the individuals were secured with plastic flexicuffs when one managed to escape his restraints and strangled the agent. The female agent was reported to have successfully called for backup when the vehicle came to a halt at a traffic light. The men subsequently left the scene and ran away on foot.

By the next day, authorities, including ICE and local partners, successfully located and reapprehended both escapees just outside the city limits of Conroe. 

A recent announcement from ICE reveals that the two men are once again in custody and will undergo criminal prosecution. The case is currently being prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas.

Their initial appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced that the men face charges for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers. These violations could result in a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and fines reaching up to $250,000. New charges stemming from the escape could result in an additional year of imprisonment and a hefty fine of $100,000.

During a recent press briefing, U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei emphasized, “The Southern District of Texas has zero tolerance for those who assault law enforcement.” He stated, “If you touch an officer, deputy, or federal agent, SDTX will take every measure possible to ensure you face federal prison time for the maximum duration permitted by law.”

ICE reports that Padron Barron has entered the U.S. illegally at least three times, following his expulsion in December 2022 and January 2023. This latest run marks his most recent capture. In contrast, ICE reports that the previous capture was the initial interaction with Padron Mendez.

Officials report that the first arrests occurred during a coordinated operation led by ICE, aimed at apprehending violent offenders in the Spring, Texas region, situated north of Houston. Simultaneously, as they transitioned from Spring to Conroe, the individuals reportedly encountered an assault and successfully escaped.

With the men now back in custody and heading to federal court, this case will challenge the capabilities of ICE and law enforcement agencies to thwart such escapes and to hold accountable those who assault federal agents. 

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