Overview
- Federal immigration agents attempted an arrest on Route 72 in Manahawkin and a fleeing vehicle struck an ICE agent during the encounter on Monday morning, according to local police.
- The ICE agent fired at the vehicle as it drove away, was treated for injuries to his shin and thigh, and officials say he is expected to recover.
- Federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday that Eduardo Cruz Garcia, 39, was arrested and charged with assaulting a federal officer in connection with the June 15 incident.
- Stafford Township police say they did not take part in the ICE operation and limited their role to securing the scene and traffic control under New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, while the FBI’s Red Bank office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office lead the investigation.
- Early ICE statements identified a different name for the subject and officials have not publicly resolved whether the fleeing occupant was struck by gunfire, a discrepancy that is central to questions about use of force and forensic findings to come.