Lakeland, FL — A 21-year-old illegal immigrant was taken into custody Tuesday after allegedly battering a federal Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officer in Polk County, Florida. The suspect, Denis Corea Miranda, was photographed smiling during his arrest, despite the serious nature of the incident.
HSI Officer Injured During Arrest Attempt
According to authorities, the HSI officer suffered a shoulder injury after Corea Miranda resisted arrest. Two federal agents had attempted to take him into custody when he fought back.
“This is the first time we’ve had an agent injured in the line of duty, and he was significantly injured,” said Sheriff Grady Judd during a press conference.
“Now the state of Florida and the taxpayers of Polk are going to have to pay for it. The state’s got to provide him with an attorney to represent him, and then the state’s got to prosecute him.”
Corea Miranda escaped into a wooded area on foot after the altercation. Law enforcement launched a full-scale perimeter operation, employing helicopters and drones to track him. He was eventually located at a loading dock and taken into custody without further incident.
Suspect’s Alleged Motive and Background
While Corea Miranda did not use a weapon, he reportedly resisted because “he wasn’t going to be deported,” showing determination to avoid federal custody, Sheriff Judd explained. This incident marks the first time an HSI agent in Polk County has been injured in the line of duty.
Corea Miranda’s legal troubles began when he was stopped by Border Patrol after crossing into the U.S. from Nicaragua. Under federal “catch and release” policies, he was released with a court date. However, he failed to appear in court following a 2024 DUI arrest, leaving an outstanding warrant. Sheriff Judd criticized the system:
“The system is broken. Had they appropriately dealt with him instead of catch and release in 2021, none of this would have happened.”
Additionally, Corea Miranda has a history of alleged criminal activity, including burglary offenses in Polk County, which could result in state prison time. Upon completing any state sentence, he could face deportation.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Corea Miranda now faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest and battery on a federal officer. Officials also highlighted the seriousness of the officer’s injury and emphasized that the case would follow both state and federal judicial processes.
Sheriff Judd further stated: “And then when he gets out of state prison for his transgressions, then he’ll be deported.”
Authorities continue to review the incident, which Fox News Digital reports as a significant example of the challenges posed by repeat offenders under federal immigration policies (source).
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Response
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with HSI, coordinated the arrest carefully, ensuring that no further injuries occurred during the suspect’s apprehension. The use of air support and drones allowed officers to safely contain the situation while preventing harm to the public.
“The state of Florida and the taxpayers of Polk are going to have to pay for it,” Sheriff Judd noted, underscoring the broader implications for resource allocation and law enforcement response.
Officials are reminding the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in matters involving suspected illegal activity or threats to federal officers. The case also reignites debate over federal catch-and-release policies and their effectiveness in preventing repeated offenses.
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