A Russian national has been charged with federal assault after allegedly biting and fracturing the pinky finger of an ICE officer during an attempted detainment in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
- Suspect: Maksim Zaitsev, 35, of Costa Mesa
- Charge: Assault on a federal employee resulting in bodily injury
- Potential Sentence: Up to 20 years in federal prison
Incident Details
According to federal prosecutors:
- ICE issued a G-56 letter ordering Zaitsev to visit the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on Feb. 25.
- Officers from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security detained Zaitsev after receiving an administrative arrest warrant.
- While being handcuffed, Zaitsev became agitated and started screaming toward a woman believed to be his wife.
The Alleged Assault:
- As officers tried to control Zaitsev, he bit an ICE officer’s hand so hard that it resulted in a fractured pinky finger.
Legal Proceedings & Statement from Authorities
Zaitsev is expected to make his initial court appearance on Wednesday.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally stated:
“As alleged in the felony criminal complaint, the defendant attacked a deportation officer. He will be held accountable for his actions.”
