An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in New Jersey fired shots at a vehicle after the suspect driving it struck the agent and fled the scene Monday morning. The incident took place at approximately 9:30 a.m. along Route 72 near Manahawkin/Stafford Township [1, 2].
The suspect escaped and had not been found by Monday afternoon, authorities said [1, 2]. The ICE agent suffered injuries, though their extent remains unclear. It is also unknown whether the suspect was hurt in the confrontation [1, 2].
Local police assisted only with traffic control and securing the scene during the federal operation. Law enforcement officials stated there was no current threat to public safety related to the incident [1, 2].
Due to the event, Route 72 was expected to remain closed for several hours, and residents in the area were advised to use alternate routes to avoid delays [2].
The incident occurred less than a week after Congress passed a $70 billion Department of Homeland Security funding bill that includes resources aimed at enhancing ICE deportation efforts [1].
Federal authorities continue searching for the suspect while investigating the case.
