South LA man faces 8 years in federal prison for allegedly spitting in ICE agent's face

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LOS ANGELES - A South Los Angeles man could face eight years in federal prison for allegedly spitting on an ICE agent.

What we know:

The U.S. Attorney's office charged Omar Pulido Bastida with assaulting a federal employee.

According to the criminal complaint, an immigration officer went to Pulido's home on Tuesday, June 10. Pulido was charged earlier this year with being in the country illegally after being deported. The officer was at Pulido's home on Tuesday to serve a warrant related to that charge. 

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When the officer got to the house, officials said Pulido talked to the officer from a second-story balcony, insulting him. A few minutes later, Pulido allegedly opened the front door, told the officer to "get out of here," and spat in the agent's face through the door gate.

ICE agents then forced their way into Pulido's home and arrested him.

According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, the assault charge carries a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison.

Federal charges announced in anti-ICE protests

Two Los Angeles County men have been hit with federal charges on accusations of engaging in criminal acts during anti-ICE protests over the weekend.

What they're saying:

"This defendant found out the hard way: When you spit, we hit – with a felony charge," Essayli said in a press release. "Law enforcement officers risk their lives and safety to uphold the law. To treat them with the disrespect, like this defendant did, mocks our great nation and such behavior will be punished accordingly."

What's next:

Pulido was in court on Tuesday related to the illegal re-entry charge. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the assault charge on July 16.