Russian National Charged for Allegedly Biting ICE Officer's Finger: Federal Assault Charge Filed

A Russian national, Maksim Zaitsev, has been federally charged with assault after allegedly biting an ICE officer's pinky finger on Tuesday. Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the importance of ICE officers in maintaining national security and upholding the law. The felony criminal complaint alleges that Zaitsev attacked a deportation officer and will be held accountable for his actions.

The U.S. Attorney's Office has formally charged 35-year-old Maksim Zaitsev from Costa Mesa with assault on a federal employee resulting in bodily injury. Zaitsev is scheduled to appear in court for his initial hearing on Wednesday. If found guilty, he could potentially face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

According to the accompanying affidavit, ICE had issued a G-56 letter summoning Zaitsev to the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on February 25. The G-56 letter is a standard form used during immigration procedures. Upon Zaitsev's arrival, officers from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security detained him at the Federal Building under an administrative arrest warrant.

Reportedly, Zaitsev became visibly agitated upon being handcuffed and started shouting towards a woman whom officers suspected to be his wife. In the midst of the commotion, as officers attempted to restrain him, Zaitsev allegedly bit an ICE officer's hand with such force that it resulted in a fracture.