A new photo released by the U.S. government shows the serious bite injury an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer suffered after an alleged gang member attacked him during an immigration raid near Mission Bay in San Diego on July 15.
Federal prosecutors say the suspect, Robert Antonio Bastardo Llovera, a 32‑year‑old Venezuelan living in the U.S. without legal status, bit the officer on the forearm during the struggle. Bastardo was wanted on an immigration violation and was allegedly part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
What Happened During the Arrest
Officials say ICE and other federal agents were conducting a planned immigration enforcement raid when Bastardo began resisting arrest. According to prosecutors, the encounter lasted about five minutes and turned violent before officers were able to restrain him.
During the altercation:
- Bastardo bit an ICE agent on the arm.
- He also reportedly kicked another officer in the chest.
- The bite left a visible, dark bruise and clear tooth marks, shown in the photo circulated by prosecutors.
After he was brought under control, Bastardo was arrested along with four other individuals. Federal authorities said all were living in the United States without valid immigration status.
Charges and Sentencing
Bastardo was charged with assaulting a federal officer, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors said he previously had an order of removal dating back to June 10, after he failed to appear in immigration court.
Court documents also show Bastardo had earlier arrests, including a case in Texas for allegedly choking the mother of his child. He has tattoos linked with the Tren de Aragua gang and has been photographed making gang hand signs.
On March 3, Bastardo pleaded guilty to the federal charge. On Monday, he was sentenced to time already served — about eight months and two days in custody. Federal officials did not immediately say whether he remains in custody or will be deported.
About Tren de Aragua and U.S. Enforcement
Tren de Aragua is a gang that started in a Venezuelan prison and has gained attention from U.S. law enforcement. It has been linked by authorities to serious crimes including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and other violence in various U.S. cities, as criminal networks spread beyond Venezuela.
Several ICE operations across the U.S. in recent months have targeted individuals allegedly connected to this gang. For example, a Chicago raid resulted in multiple arrests that federal officials said were aimed at Tren de Aragua members.
Federal prosecutors and Homeland Security have repeatedly said that attacks on law enforcement officers will be met with strict legal action. “Physical assaults on federal officers will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” a Department of Homeland Security statement said.
