Bulgarian National Detained for Attacking ICE Officer in New Jersey

Vasil Petrov faces charges for assaulting a deportation officer during removal processing at an ICE facility.

Newark, NJ – In a recent incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Vasil Petrov, a 40-year-old Bulgarian national, was arrested for assaulting a federal deportation officer. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger following Petrov's appearance in Newark federal court.

Petrov, who was in lawful custody of ICE officers pending removal from the United States, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel and is currently detained. He faces one count of assaulting a federal officer.

Court documents and statements indicate that the incident occurred on December 27, 2023. Reportedly, Petrov, without any provocation, struck a deportation officer in the chin with a closed fist, causing bodily injury including a laceration.

This charge brings with it a severe potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000.

Special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, were credited by U.S. Attorney Sellinger for their role in the investigation that led to Petrov's charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chana Y. Zuckier of the General Crimes Unit in Newark represents the government in this case.

It is important to note that the charge and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations at this stage, and Petrov is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.