A Sacramento man has been charged with damaging government property following an incident involving a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vehicle, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez.
The criminal complaint alleges that on July 17, 2025, CBP agents were conducting an operation at a Home Depot in the Sacramento area when Jose Manuel Castillo Jr., 31, refused multiple commands from law enforcement to move away from their position. During the operation, agents were transferring arrested individuals to a van for transport to immigration custody.
Castillo reportedly shouted obscenities at the agents and approached the rear passenger side of a CBP SUV. Agents stationed near the driver’s side reported hearing a popping sound followed by a loud hissing noise. After Castillo walked away from the vehicle, agents discovered that the rear passenger side tire was punctured and completely flat.
Law enforcement ordered Castillo to stop, but he fled the scene. He was apprehended after a brief pursuit. During a search, officers found a folding pocketknife in Castillo’s pants pocket; investigators say its blade matched the width of the hole in the tire.
Castillo is not currently in custody and will appear for an initial court hearing at a time set by the Court.
“This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” Sanchez said.
If convicted, Castillo could face up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on federal guidelines and other statutory factors. Authorities emphasize that these charges are allegations and that Castillo is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
