An ICE agent in Stafford Township, New Jersey, was reportedly hit by a car during an attempted apprehension and fired at the vehicle as it fled, authorities said. The agent sustained unspecified injuries, and the suspect remains at large. Stafford police say they were only managing traffic and securing the scene while investigators work. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. and comes days after Congress approved additional DHS funding for deportation operations.
ICE Agent Fires at Vehicle After Being Struck During Apprehension in New Jersey
ICE agents patrol Terminal C at LaGuardia airport on 24 March 2026 in New YorkPhotograph: Michael M Santiago/Getty Images(Photograph: Michael M Santiago/Getty Images)
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Stafford Township, New Jersey, was reportedly struck by a vehicle and fired at the car as it fled the scene on Monday morning, local authorities said.
The Stafford Township Police Department said it was informed that ICE "was attempting to apprehend a suspect when the suspect fled from the scene in a vehicle, striking [an ICE agent]." According to the department, "the agent discharged his firearm at the vehicle, reportedly striking it." The suspect then drove away and "has not been located at this time."
Stafford police said the agent "reportedly sustained unknown injuries," and officials did not know whether the suspect had been injured. The department added there was "no reason to believe there is any concern for the public’s safety." Police reported the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m.
Stafford Township Police emphasized they were not participating in the ICE operation when the confrontation occurred; their role was limited to managing traffic and securing the scene while investigators continued their work. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Context: The incident comes less than a week after President Donald Trump signed legislation that provides roughly $70 billion in additional funding for ICE and other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security for expanded deportation operations. That bill followed months of contentious negotiations that culminated in a prolonged DHS funding standoff amid calls for reforms after the January deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis involving immigration agents.
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