ICE officer in Manahawkin fires shot during an attempted arrest
The Stafford Township Police Department said the attempted arrest played out on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive. Police learned of the incident around 9:30 a.m.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was hit with a vehicle in Manahawkin early Monday, as he tried to arrest the individual who later fled in the car, according to local police. As the suspect got away, the agent fired and struck the vehicle.
The Stafford Township Police Department said the attempted arrest played out on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive. Police learned of the incident around 9:30 a.m.
The ICE agent is reported to have sustained injuries but his condition was not immediately clear, nor were the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest. ICE did not immediately respond to a list of questions.
Stafford Township Police said it’s unclear if the suspect fired back at the ICE agent as he tried to flee, but noted they believed there is no threat to public safety.
For now, local police continue to secure the area and the area is expected to see road closures for several more hours as ICE continues to investigate.
New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive and other state policies limit police cooperation with ICE. Stafford Police said they were not part of the attempted arrest when the incident occurred, adding they would not be investigating the incident either.
New Jersey State Police similarly directed all questions regarding the ongoing investigation to ICE.
