NJ Agent Shooting Incident
Federal Immigration Agent Struck by Vehicle in New Jersey, Returns Fire at Suspect
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A federal ICE agent was struck by a white van and opened fire on the fleeing vehicle during a targeted enforcement operation in Manahawkin, New Jersey on Monday morning, according to CBS News. The agent sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a regional trauma center in stable condition. The suspect remains at large.
The incident unfolded around 9:30 AM near Mermaid Drive and Route 72 in Stafford Township, about 60 miles east of Philadelphia, according to AP. Investigators recovered at least three spent shell casings at the scene. The gunfire shattered the van's rear window, according to Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch.
White Van Strikes Agent, Triggering Regional Manhunt
ICE agents were conducting what the agency called a "targeted enforcement" operation when a suspect deliberately drove a white van into one of the agents, according to LiveNOW from FOX. The agent discharged his service weapon at the van as it fled. A massive manhunt across Ocean County was still underway Monday afternoon.
Stafford Township Police received the first calls at around 9:35 AM, according to Jersey Shore Online. By 10:00 AM, Route 72 was shut down in both directions between Barnacle Drive and Breakers Drive, according to NJDOT. Route 72 is the main road connecting the mainland to Long Beach Island, a major summer tourism destination.
Local Police Step Back, Citing State Immigrant Trust Policy
Stafford Township Police Chief Russell Griffin made clear his department had no role in the ICE operation. "Stafford police were not part of the ICE operation in compliance with the state's Immigrant Trust Directive," the department said, according to NJ 101.5. Officers were only helping with traffic control and scene security.
New Jersey's Immigrant Trust Directive bars local law enforcement from helping federal agents with civil immigration enforcement. This left ICE operating without local backup during the apprehension attempt. The Stafford PD said there is "no reason to believe there is any concern for the public's safety" related to an active shooter threat, according to AP.
State Officials Eye Probe Into Agent's Use of Force
Acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport's office is expected to lead an investigation into the agent's decision to fire his weapon in a populated area, according to Insider NJ. If state prosecutors pursue charges, federal courts may have to decide whether state law can apply to a federal officer on duty — a classic "Supremacy Clause" showdown.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill has previously stated, "Public safety remains our top priority... it is my duty to protect the safety of all residents," according to News 12. In February 2026, a similar vehicle-ramming incident in Roxbury, NJ prompted Sherrill to sign an executive order restricting ICE from staging operations on state property, according to NJ Spotlight News.
Soaring Agent Assaults Add Fuel to Federal-State Tensions
DHS has reported a 3,200% increase in vehicle-based attacks on federal agents over the past year, according to News 12. Federal officials frame Monday's incident as part of a dangerous national pattern. Local and state officials, however, have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety risks of conducting immigration arrests in busy residential corridors.
The Manahawkin incident sharpens an already bitter standoff between Trenton and Washington over immigration enforcement. With the suspect still at large and Route 72 disrupted during peak June traffic, the episode carries both legal and economic consequences — Route 72 is the only land route to Long Beach Island's summer economy, according to NJDOT.
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