PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Guatemalan national previously deported from the United States has been charged after allegedly injuring a federal agent while resisting arrest during an immigration enforcement operation in Providence.
Miguel Tamup-Tamup, also known as Miguel Us-Tamup, 28, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents on May 15. Authorities say he assaulted law enforcement officers during a failed arrest attempt on April 30, leading to a serious injury to one agent.
“This individual’s aggressive actions during a lawful arrest led to serious injury to our special agents,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “The safety of our special agents and officers is paramount and those who resist and commit assault will find themselves facing serious criminal consequences.”
According to a criminal complaint, agents attempted to arrest Tamup after he was identified as unlawfully present in the country. When agents stopped his vehicle, Tamup allegedly refused to exit. After law enforcement removed him from the car, he reportedly resisted, flailing his arms and striking agents. One HSI special agent sustained a serious leg injury during the struggle and required medical treatment.
Tamup reportedly fled the scene while agents assisted the injured officer. He remained at large until agents located him more than two weeks later.
Tamup previously arrested on DUI charge
Court documents indicate that Tamup first came to ICE’s attention following an April 19 arrest by Providence Police on a charge of driving under the influence. Police said he collided with another vehicle and was later arraigned and released.
Fingerprints taken at the time of the DUI arrest matched ICE records identifying Tamup as having been previously deported and illegally present in the U.S. A warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued.
Federal agents located Tamup at a residence in Providence and took him into custody without incident on May 15. He appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, who ordered him detained pending further proceedings.
Tamup faces charges of assault, resisting, and impeding a federal officer in the performance of official duties.