An individual suspected of entering the country illegally was arrested Nov. 7 in the Anapra Road-Sunland Park area for the alleged battery of a U.S. Border Patrol agent, a fourth-degree felony, according to the Doña Ana County District Attorney's (DA) Office.
Ender Alexander Vargas-Meza, 32, was held in the Doña County Detention Center, according to a news release from the DA's office.
A Border Patrol agent encountered three suspects who allegedly entered the U.S. illegally and approached them to make an arrest Sept. 24. Two of the suspects attempted to escape, and Vargas-Meza allegedly began to fight with the Border Patrol agent, according to the release.
Vargas-Meza began "kicking and pushing the agent while trying to reach into his pocket," the release states.
The border patrol agent was able to gain control of Vargas-Meza and place him in handcuffs. During a search for illegal contraband, Vargas-Meza was found with a pocketknife, according to the DA.
The New Mexico U.S. Attorney's Office declined prosecution and had Vargas-Meza deported to Mexico after the initial Sept. 24 incident, the statement read. He was arrested Nov. 7 after he allegedly reentered the country illegally.
The Third DA Border Prosecution team will coordinate and proceed with prosecution efforts to "achieve results and secure public safety," according to the DA's office.