HOMESTEAD, Fla. — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer was injured when a driver allegedly reversed into him during a traffic stop, KFOX 14 reported.
The driver reportedly struck the officer in the leg, nearly crushing him, before crashing into multiple ICE vehicles and fleeing into oncoming traffic. The vehicle then collided with a utility van, after which the driver and three passengers attempted to run from the scene.
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All four were detained by ICE officers and taken to a hospital for evaluation. They have since been discharged and are now in ICE custody. All have been found to have entered the country illegally and are awaiting removal proceedings, according to the report.
The injured officer is in stable condition.
DHS officials said the incident reflects a rise in violent encounters during immigration enforcement operations. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin linked the incident not only to harmful rhetoric and resistance messaging from advocacy groups but also to guidance from sanctuary politicians.
“This is the second incident in a week where an officer was injured while arresting an illegal alien,” McLaughlin said. “The violence against our ICE officers must stop.”
According to DHS, recent webinars, videos and multilingual guides promoted by sanctuary leaders have encouraged individuals in the country illegally to resist ICE operations and avoid arrest. Officials say this type of messaging is contributing to a rise in assaults against officers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
