Father and son face charges after clash with federal agents in Phoenix

A Father and Son Charged After Alleged Attack on Federal Agents

A father and son were charged following an incident in which they allegedly attacked four federal agents during an immigration-related arrest. According to federal documents, the father claimed he did not realize the individuals were law enforcement at the time of the confrontation.

The case involves Santos Mendivil Contreras, Jr., who was under investigation by the FBI for attempting to purchase firearms on two separate occasions in April. His visa had expired in December 2022, making him undocumented in the United States. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents attempted to contact Contreras at his home on Cave Creek Road earlier this month, but he refused to open the door. The agents tried again later, but no one answered.

On Monday, four agents, including three who had previously tried to reach Contreras, waited outside the house. When Contreras arrived with his son, Emanuel Mendivil Cervantes, in a pickup truck, the situation escalated. An agent wearing a “Police”-marked vest turned on emergency lights from an unmarked HSI vehicle, prompting Contreras to speed toward his driveway.

Once inside, the agent identified himself as police and told Contreras not to move. However, Contreras lunged at the agent, attempting to grab the officer’s gun. The two engaged in a struggle over control of the weapon. Another agent, who was not visibly marked as law enforcement but had a badge on his belt, approached the truck and instructed Cervantes to stay inside.

The second agent reportedly said, “He’s got my gun,” prompting the first agent to seek assistance. The two agents managed to subdue Contreras, but the fight continued when Cervantes exited the truck and pushed and kicked the second agent. The first agent then attempted to handcuff Cervantes.

A third agent arrived to assist with the arrest, but Cervantes kicked the agent in the legs. The third agent identified himself as police and ordered Cervantes to stop fighting. According to court records, Contreras responded, “He’s just kicking you.” A fourth agent joined the effort, only to be kicked by Cervantes as well.

During the chaos, Contreras’ mother came out of the house and tried to record the events. An agent took her phone, leading Contreras to bite the first agent on the back of the knee. Eventually, the agents managed to place both the father and son in handcuffs and transported them in an HSI vehicle.

Contreras later told an agent, “I’m gonna remember you,” and “I’m gonna find you.” During interviews with HSI agents, Cervantes admitted he knew the agents were police but believed they were being targeted in a robbery or ambush. He claimed he acted to protect himself and his father.

Contreras denied seeing the police markings and stated that the second agent hit him in the face. He also claimed he could have caused serious harm to the agents if he had wanted to. Additionally, he mentioned that he had been involved in a bar fight two weeks prior and thought the agents were the same individuals he had fought with, not actual law enforcement.

Three of the four agents required medical treatment and were released from the hospital. The fourth agent suffered minor scratches and cuts and did not need further care.

Contreras faces four counts of assault on a federal officer and one count of making a false statement during a firearm purchase. Cervantes was charged with three counts of assault on a federal officer. Since the charges are in federal court, no mugshots have been released.

This incident highlights the complex and sometimes dangerous nature of law enforcement operations, especially in cases involving undocumented individuals. It also raises questions about the communication and identification of officers during high-stress encounters.