see also: in November 2007 News Releases:   CBP Officers Seize 50 Pounds of Cocaine, Three Pounds of Heroin, Guns & Ammo, Arrest 22 For Illegal Entry and Arrest 20 Fugitives During Two-Week Holiday Span at Laredo Port of Entry   Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Sex Offender   Border Patrol Seizes One Ton of Marijuana at Sierra Blanca Checkpoint   Border Patrol Yields $3.7 Million in a Day’s Seizures   Border Patrol and Coast Guard Sign Cooperation Agreement   CBP Seized Cocaine Concealed in Suitcase   Border Patrol Agents Seize 5,450 Pounds of Marijuana Near Freer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Rochester, NY - A Border Patrol agent assigned to the Buffalo Sector was assaulted yesterday while conducting routine transportation check duties in Rochester, N.Y.

On Nov. 13, 2007 a Border Patrol Agent was performing transportation check duties on a westbound Amtrak train in Rochester, N.Y. While checking the immigration status of the passengers on the train, one passenger stood up and struck an agent with both hands in the upper torso, just below his neck. The agent immediately attempted to restrain the individual; however the assailant was being actively and aggressively resistant and was not complying with the agents’ commands. Another agent on scene deployed pepper spray in an effort to gain compliance. Shortly after, the agents were able to place the assailant into custody and remove him from the train. No other passengers were injured by the assailant or affected by the pepper spray.

Upon departing the train, the Rochester Police Department was contacted and responded to the scene. The assailant was arrested for harassment and booked into the Monroe County Jail.

The FBI is currently investigating this incident for possible additional federal charges.

Neither agent nor the suspect suffered any injuries during the altercation.

Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.