Tucson man charged with alien smuggling, high-speed flight, assault on a federal officer, and firearm offenses

TUSCON, Ariz. – A southern Arizona man was charged in U.S. District Court Wednesday with the transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury, high-speed flight from a Border Patrol checkpoint, assault on a federal officer, and use of a firearm.

The case is the result of a probe by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Border Patrol.

Court documents allege that Roberto Ramirez, 21, of Tucson, arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-19 near Amado, Dec. 24, while transporting two suspected illegal aliens. When agents referred Ramirez for further inspection, he fled from the checkpoint and drove northbound on I-19 at a high rate of speed – with several Border Patrol agents in pursuit. During the pursuit, Ramirez fired several gunshots at the agents and attempted to ram their vehicles. He eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed, ejecting one of his passengers who consequently suffered serious injuries.

At the defendant’s initial appearance and detention hearing, the court ordered that Ramirez remain in custody. Several of the charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Liza M. Granoff and Matthew C. Cassell, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.