An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was struck by a vehicle and injured after a suspect fled during an attempted apprehension in Stafford Township, New Jersey, with the fugitive still at large despite shots being fired at the escaping car.

Federal Agent Struck During Morning Operation

The incident unfolded around 9:30 in the morning when ICE agents attempted to apprehend a suspect in Stafford Township. The situation escalated rapidly when the suspect jumped into a vehicle and drove away from the scene, striking an ICE agent in the process. Photographs from the scene show the injured agent sitting on the ground in front of a vehicle while other officers gathered around him. The agent was later transported from the location on a stretcher, though the full extent of his injuries remains unknown.

In response to being struck, the ICE agent discharged his weapon at the fleeing vehicle, reportedly hitting the car. However, the suspect successfully escaped the area and continues to evade capture. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect sustained any injuries from the gunfire during the escape.

Local Police Distance Themselves From Federal Action

The Stafford Township Police Department issued a statement emphasizing they played no role in the federal immigration enforcement operation. The department cited strict compliance with the state Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Municipal officers confined their involvement to traffic management and securing the active crime scene on Route 72 while federal agents conducted their operation. Local police made clear they are not participating in the ongoing criminal investigation into the incident.

No Public Threat Despite Fugitive Status

Despite the violent nature of the confrontation and the suspect remaining at large, local authorities have assured residents there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The assessment suggests law enforcement may have identified the suspect or determined the incident was targeted rather than random. Federal agents continue their search for the fugitive, who now faces additional serious charges including assaulting a federal officer and fleeing the scene of a crime. The incident highlights the risks ICE agents face during enforcement operations and the complex relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local police departments operating under state directives that restrict cooperation.