Jacksonville Woman Arrested After Allegedly Punching Florida Trooper During ICE Operation; Gov. DeSantis Declares 'This Is Not Minneapolis'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — January 16, 2026 — A 40-year-old Jacksonville resident faces multiple felony charges after she was accused of assaulting a Florida Highway Patrol trooper during a tense confrontation tied to a federal immigration enforcement operation this week.

The incident unfolded Tuesday morning outside Mi Pueblo, a Mexican grocery store and meat market on Beach Boulevard, amid a joint operation involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and state troopers. According to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the woman, identified as Jennifer Cruz, allegedly exited her vehicle and struck a trooper in the face with a closed fist after becoming agitated over the enforcement activity.

Uthmeier posted details on social media, describing the encounter bluntly: "Jennifer disagrees with immigration enforcement and decided to commit a few felonies by getting out of her car and punching a Trooper in the face." He added pointedly, "But unlike Minnesota, we don’t put up with this nonsense. Not today, Jennifer."

Dashcam footage later released by authorities showed Cruz resisting arrest, reportedly kicking at officers, shouting profanities, and even laughing at times as law enforcement attempted to secure her. Officers ultimately deployed a Taser in drive-stun mode to subdue her before placing her in a patrol vehicle.

The altercation drew swift commentary from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who addressed the incident during a Thursday press conference in Jacksonville unrelated to the arrest. "I do know that there was a woman who came out and assaulted one of our troopers," DeSantis said. "Let me just tell you guys this is not Minneapolis. That is not going to end well for you in Florida."

DeSantis emphasized that while residents have the right to criticize government policy and protest in designated areas, assaulting law enforcement crosses an unacceptable line. "You have a right to go out there and criticize government policy. You can go out there and protest within respected zones, but the idea that you’re going to assault one of our troopers is unacceptable, and you are going to face consequences as a result of that."

The governor's remarks appear to reference recent unrest in Minneapolis, where anti-ICE protests escalated following high-profile incidents involving federal agents, including a fatal shooting that sparked widespread demonstrations and threats against officers.

Cruz, an American citizen, now faces eight felony charges and six misdemeanors related to the alleged assault, resistance, and other violations stemming from the encounter. Reports indicate she has since bonded out of custody.

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Florida, where state officials have repeatedly signaled strong support for federal operations and zero tolerance for interference. DeSantis, who shared Uthmeier's post on social media with the comment "Really bad decision to attack one of our troopers. This isn’t Minneapolis…," reinforced the message that such actions will not be tolerated in the Sunshine State.

Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances, including Cruz's initial involvement and any prior interactions with the traffic stop that preceded the ICE-related confrontation. No injuries to the trooper beyond the alleged punch were detailed in initial reports.

17GEN4.com