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Feds Charge Jacksonville Woman After ICE-Related Stop Where Trooper Was Allegedly Punched

Videos released by officials show restraint and kicking but not the alleged punch.

Overview

  • Federal prosecutors filed a complaint alleging Jennifer Cruz assaulted officers during an immigration enforcement operation in Jacksonville, a charge that carries up to eight years in prison if convicted.
  • The encounter began with a traffic stop on Beach Boulevard near the Mi Pueblo grocery store, where a trooper noted cellphone use and a suspended license before Cruz tried to leave and was stopped.
  • Jail records list state charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting with violence, and driving with a suspended license; she was released on bond and has a Feb. 4 Duval County court date.
  • Dashcam clips shared publicly include a 13‑second video from the attorney general showing restraint and an attempted kick that did not connect, and separate footage shows kicking in a patrol car and a Taser drive‑stun, but none shows the alleged punch.
  • Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier condemned the assault and contrasted Florida’s enforcement posture with recent Minneapolis unrest tied to ICE operations.