Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez, a 33-year-old Nicaraguan national living in the U.S. without legal status, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh after authorities say he violently resisted ICE agents. Prosecutors allege the incident followed a blocked firearm purchase during which he reportedly claimed U.S. citizenship. On Dec. 17, 2025, agents say he reversed his vehicle into an occupied law enforcement vehicle, fled on foot and attacked officers—allegedly attempting to grab a service weapon, biting agents and striking one with handcuffs. Several agents required medical treatment; Davila-Perez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Undocumented Nicaraguan Indicted After Alleged Violent Confrontation With ICE in Pittsburgh
A Nicaraguan man in Pittsburgh faces 20 years after allegedly biting an ICE agent and ramming a police car following a failed illegal gun purchase attempt.(Getty Images)
A 33-year-old Nicaraguan man living in the United States without legal status has been indicted on federal charges after authorities say he resisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Pittsburgh following an attempted gun purchase.
Federal prosecutors say a grand jury in Pittsburgh returned an indictment charging Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez with assaulting a federal officer. The investigation began after the Department of Homeland Security learned Davila-Perez attempted to buy a firearm from a local dealer and, during the transaction, identified himself as a U.S. citizen. The dealer blocked the sale after determining he was a Nicaraguan national with no lawful status; federal law bars those unlawfully present in the U.S. from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez is facing up to 20 years in prison after allegedly launching a violent attack on federal agents, following a failed attempt to buy a gun.
According to the indictment, on Dec. 17, 2025, ICE agents activated emergency lights to stop Davila-Perez on immigration-related grounds. Authorities say he did not pull over and allegedly reversed his vehicle, striking an occupied law enforcement vehicle before exiting and attempting to flee on foot.
During the ensuing struggle, prosecutors allege Davila-Perez elbowed an officer in the face, attempted to seize an agent's service weapon from its holster, bit an agent's arm and struck another agent in the forehead with a pair of handcuffs. Officers repeatedly shouted commands in both English and Spanish to stop and show his hands; authorities say he ignored those orders until he was subdued.
Darwin Alexander Davila-Perez tried to buy a gun in Pittsburgh, but the dealer found out he was in the U.S. illegally, according to authorities.
The altercation left several agents with bite wounds, scrapes and bruises that required medical treatment, prosecutors said. Davila-Perez remains in federal custody as the case proceeds through the courts.
Potential Penalties
If convicted on the assault charge, Davila-Perez faces a statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The indictment is focused on allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Note: All actions described in this article are allegations from the indictment and statements by law enforcement and prosecutors.
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