CONROE, Texas – A manhunt for two illegal aliens who escaped U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and assaulted a Border Patrol agent concluded Monday afternoon with their recapture, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred on September 22, 2025, near Conroe, Texas, during a transfer of the individuals to a processing center.
Violent Escape and Assault on Law Enforcement
Juan Carmen Pardon Mendez, 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, both identified as illegal aliens from Mexico, managed to flee from their restraints and vehicle while en route to the Montgomery Processing Center. During their escape, one of the individuals allegedly choked a female Border Patrol agent. The precise circumstances leading to the assailant gaining control of their restraints and assaulting the agent are under investigation.
Authorities immediately launched a search, with local law enforcement assisting ICE in locating the fugitives. The men were last seen east of Interstate 45 near Loop 336. By late Monday afternoon, both individuals were apprehended outside the city limits of Conroe.
Operation Targeting Criminal Aliens
The escapees were initially apprehended as part of an ICE-led multi-agency operation targeting “violent criminal aliens and egregious immigration offenders” in the Spring, Texas area. These operations are part of a broader federal effort to enhance public safety by identifying and removing individuals with criminal histories who are in the country illegally.
According to ICE, Padron Barron has a history of illegal entries into the U.S., having been deported at least three times in the past, with prior removals in December 2022 and January 2023. For Padron Mendez, this was a new encounter with U.S. immigration officials.
ICE Official Denounces Demonization of Law Enforcement
Following the assault, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Gabriel Martinez issued a strong statement condemning the attack. He linked the incident to what he described as the “continued demonization of legitimate law enforcement activities by political leaders and certain members of the media.” Martinez stated, “Every time they label the brave men and women who work for ICE, CBP, or Border Patrol as Nazis or bounty hunters, they might as well paint a bright target on their backs because attacks like this are inevitable and will continue to occur.”
ICE regularly conducts targeted enforcement operations across Texas and the nation to apprehend individuals who pose a threat to national security and public safety. These operations often focus on those with criminal convictions for violent offenses, gang involvement, or other serious crimes, aiming to uphold immigration laws and protect communities.
Public Assistance and Ongoing Investigations
ICE had appealed to the public for assistance in locating Mendez and Barron, providing a tip line and an online tip form for anyone with information regarding their whereabouts. The investigation into the specific details of the escape, the assault on the agent, and the subsequent apprehension is ongoing. Information regarding any injuries sustained by the Border Patrol agent was not immediately released.
The incident underscores the challenging and often dangerous nature of immigration enforcement operations and the risks faced by law enforcement personnel working to maintain border security and public safety.
