Guatemalan National Charged with Assaulting Federal Officers

PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national who entered the United States without inspection in 2006, and who is on bail awaiting trial in Rhode Island state court on felony domestic assault charges and for violation of a protective order has been ordered detained in federal custody on a federal criminal complaint charging him with assault, resisting, and impeding a federal law enforcement officer in performance of official duties, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

According to court documents, on July 15, 2025, ICE Enforcement and Removal officers, a DEA agent, and a Deputy U.S. Marshal approached Cristian Aroldo Pineda Diaz, 37, pursuant to an immigration arrest warrant. Attempting to avoid arrest and flee, Diaz tackled the DEA agent, causing serious injury to the agent. Diaz continue to struggle as the ICE agents and Deputy U.S. Marshal worked to subdue him. An immigration officer and a DEA agents suffered injuries during the scuffle requiring medical attention.

Court records reflect that on February 5, 2023, Diaz was arrested in Central Falls on domestic breaking and entering, domestic disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest charges. A no-contact order was issued prohibiting Diaz from contacting the complainant. On February 16, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued after Diaz allegedly violated the no-contact order by texting and calling the complainant. It is further alleged that on that date, Diaz followed the complainant’s car and struck the vehicle numerous times while with his vehicle. An arrest warrant was issued for Diaz charging him with six counts of felony domestic assault and violation of a protective order.

Diaz was arrested on March 4, 2023, and detained at the ACI. He was released on bail on April 3, 2023.

The federal assault case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney G. Michael Seaman.

The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.