A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer is facing criminal charges in Colorado after a video captured him using force against a female protester. District Attorney Sean Murray announced that the agent, Nicholas Rice, has been charged with third-degree assault and criminal mischief.
The Incident The confrontation took place nearly six months ago in Durango during a protest over the detention of a family of asylum seekers. Francis Stagi, a 57-year-old retiree, was filming the operations when the encounter turned violent. According to video evidence and reports:
- The agent forcibly struck her hand, causing her to lose her phone.
- When she touched his shoulder to get his attention, he grabbed her by the hair and placed her in a chokehold.
- He then allegedly carried her across the street and threw her down an embankment.
Official Statements While the victim expressed relief that charges were filed, she noted the long-term psychological impact of the assault. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dismissed the charges as a "political stunt" by local officials, though CBP confirmed the officer remains under investigation.
Significance This case marks a rare instance of a federal immigration agent being criminally charged for misconduct. It follows a similar recent case in Minnesota, highlighting increased scrutiny of federal agents' actions during immigration enforcement.
Rice is scheduled to appear in court on May 27.
Adapted from original reporting by The Guardian and Associated Press. Read the full article here.