ICE Agent Struck by Vehicle During Apprehension Attempt in New Jersey

An ICE agent was struck by a vehicle while attempting to apprehend a suspect in Stafford Township, New Jersey, on Monday morning. The agent returned fire.

Incident Summary

The incident occurred near Mermaid Drive and Route 72, an area also referred to as Manahawkin, approximately 10 miles from Long Beach Island. The agent was attempting to take an individual into custody. The suspect fled in a vehicle and struck the agent. The agent then fired at the vehicle, reportedly striking it multiple times.

Injuries and Casualties

The ICE agent sustained injuries; the extent of those injuries has not been publicly disclosed. Unofficial sources indicated the agent is expected to recover. It is not known whether the suspect was injured. The suspect remains at large.

Investigation and Scene

Stafford Township Police have stated they were not involved in the ICE operation and are not conducting the investigation. Their role is limited to traffic management and securing the crime scene.

Route 72 was closed in both directions following the incident. Aerial footage showed approximately two dozen ICE agents in tactical gear and a cordoned-off area with crime scene tape. The New Jersey State Police have referred inquiries to ICE. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Authorities stated there is no known threat to public safety.

Background Context

According to DHS data, 66 vehicle attacks against ICE agents were reported between January 21, 2025, and January 7, 2026. The data indicates two such attacks were reported during the same period in 2024.

The incident occurred less than a week after President Donald Trump signed a law providing approximately $70 billion in additional funding to ICE and other DHS agencies. The funding allocation followed a legislative standoff that resulted in a DHS shutdown, which reports state was triggered by Democratic opposition after ICE agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.