Matthew R. Molsen United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska | Department of Justice
Matthew R. Molsen United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska | Department of Justice
Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national residing illegally in Bellevue, Nebraska, has been charged with attempted murder and assault of a federal officer. The charges were announced by United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods on June 19, 2025.
Hurtado-Cariaco was apprehended by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation agents who had an active immigration-related warrant for his arrest. The encounter occurred in Sarpy County near his residence during a traffic stop initiated by the agents. Despite initially complying by exiting his vehicle with raised arms, Hurtado-Cariaco allegedly resisted arrest.
According to the complaint, Hurtado-Cariaco is suspected of being affiliated with Tren de Aragua. During the altercation with the agents, he reportedly fought back and injured one agent by throwing them onto the pavement. He then placed another agent in a chokehold before breaking free and fleeing to his apartment where he was later arrested without further incident.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that "deadly violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated by this Department of Justice," highlighting the seriousness of the charges against Hurtado-Cariaco. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that "the arrest and prosecution of this vicious Tren de Aragua gang member underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our law enforcement officers."
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods commended the professionalism of the federal agents involved despite facing potentially fatal violence during their duty.
Hurtado-Cariaco appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson on June 20, 2025, where he was ordered detained pending a preliminary hearing set for June 24, 2025. The criminal complaint serves as an accusation document; thus, Hurtado-Cariaco is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, Hurtado-Cariaco faces up to 20 years in prison along with potential fines and supervised release terms. The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
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