Republican leaders are pressing the Department of Homeland Security for more details about the recent unprovoked attack on a police officer, allegedly by an illegal immigrant gang member.
“This attack is yet another example of the utter lack of respect for the law and those who uphold it, and a terrible reminder that our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers are now singled out as targets by criminals who seek to murder and maim those who wear the badge,” Senate Judiciary Committee Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) wrote in a letter to DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson Tuesday.
Last week, Jose Misael Reyes-Reyes allegedly began hitting Frederick County Deputy Sheriff Greg Morton in the face while Morton was sitting in his patrol car investigating a unrelated traffic incident. Reyes-Reyes then continued to assault Morton as he tried to make the arrest.
According to the Frederick County Sheriff’s office, Reyes-Reyes is in the country illegally, had been detained then released by Border Patrol, and was in deportation proceedings at the time of the attack. Further, the Sheriff’s Office confirms Reyes-Reyes is a known MS-13 gang member.
“While the unprovoked attack on a law enforcement officer is extremely disturbing, what is more disturbing is the fact that a known criminal alien gang member was involved in this alleged crime,” the lawmakers wrote.
Reyes-Reyes has been charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, two counts of second-degree assault, and resisting arrest. Other charges included disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, obstructing and hindering, rogue and vagabond, and two counts of disorderly intoxication.
Grassley and Goodlatte further request more information from DHS regarding for more information about Reyes-Reyes’ criminal and immigration histories, his encounters with immigration enforcement and why he was released from the custody of Border Patrol.
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