A Florida woman learned the hard way that attacking law enforcement during ICE operations carries severe consequences after punching a state trooper in the face and facing multiple felony charges.
Jacksonville Woman Faces Felony Charges After Anti-ICE Assault
Jennifer Cruz of Jacksonville escalated a routine traffic stop into a violent confrontation on January 13, 2026, when she exited her vehicle and punched a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in the face during an ICE operation outside Mi Pueblo Mexican grocery store on Beach Boulevard. The 40-year-old now faces multiple felony charges including resisting an officer with violence, battery on law enforcement, and driving with a suspended license. Eyewitness Juan Alvarez, the store owner, captured video of the incident involving 12-13 officers after what began as a standard traffic detention.
DeSantis and AG Send Clear Message on Law Enforcement Attacks
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier publicized Cruz’s arrest on social media, declaring “Jennifer disagrees with immigration enforcement and decided to commit a few felonies… But unlike Minnesota, we don’t put up with this nonsense. Not today, Jennifer.” Governor Ron DeSantis reinforced this stance during a Jacksonville press conference, warning that “This is not Minneapolis… You’re going to assault one of our troopers… you are going to face consequences.” Their coordinated response demonstrates Florida’s commitment to protecting officers from the escalating violence targeting immigration enforcement nationwide.
Florida’s Zero-Tolerance Approach Contrasts with Other States
Cruz’s arrest exemplifies Florida’s firm stance against anti-ICE resistance, standing in stark contrast to incidents in Minnesota where protesters have blocked vehicles with cars, thrown rocks at agents, and faced limited consequences. While Minneapolis has seen crowd violence, vehicle blockades, and the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good during an ICE operation, Florida officials immediately prosecuted Cruz’s solo assault as serious felonies. This distinction underscores the state’s unwavering support for federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration’s renewed interior operations.
The Jacksonville incident occurs amid a documented surge in violence against immigration officers, with DHS reporting a staggering 1,300% increase in assaults on ICE agents and an 8,000% rise in death threats. Immigration attorney Andrea Reyes livestreamed warnings about intensifying enforcement with increased federal funding, while ICE officials like Marcos Charles have vowed to arrest anyone interfering with operations. Cruz’s swift prosecution sends a powerful deterrent message to potential agitators that Florida will not tolerate attacks on law enforcement personnel carrying out their lawful duties.
Sources:
Woman seen in video allegedly blocking Minnesota ICE operation with car as agitators surround agents
Nationwide anti-ICE protests call for accountability after Renee Good’s death
Rise in ICE monitoring, doxxing due to dangerous rhetoric, federal officials say
GOOD, FAHO,,, Put the B-tch away !!!!!
It is not necessary to have these uprisings. Clamp down on them. FIND OUT WHO IS BEHIND IT AND PUT THEM IN JAIL. Let ICE do their job by not putting up with anyone targeting them. So they rough up a few, they deserve it.
PUT SOROS OUT OF THIS COUNTRY, YOU HAVE EVERY REASON TO DO IT.