ICE agent struck by ‘weaponized’ car during Ocean County operation, according to ICE

🚨Officials said an ICE agent was injured during an operation

🚨A suspect fled the scene and remains at large, according to officials

🚨A section of Route 72 was closed in both directions

UPDATE: Suspect arrested after going to hospital

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was injured during an incident in Ocean County Monday morning, according to both local and federal officials.

The incident took place Monday morning around 9:30 a.m. when ICE agents were attempting to detain a suspect on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive, according to Stafford Township police.

In a statement issued this afternoon, ICE said, "law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop" in an effort to apprehend an "illegal alien from Peru."

As agents were attempting to detain a suspect, ICE said the driver "weaponized his vehicle and struck an officer, resulting in the officer discharging his weapon." The officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to ICE.

The driver fled the scene and remains at large, according to ICE. New Jersey 101.5 has learned that the suspect's vehicle was a white van. A description of the suspect has not been disclosed.

UPDATE: Suspect from van incident has been arrested

ICE said the "illegal alien" was "given a final order of removal by an immigration judge on Jan. 30.

“There is a pattern of vehicle attacks against our officers. Our law enforcement officers are facing a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks against them."

Pictures posted on Reddit show ICE agents and Stafford police tending to an agent lying on the ground. The agent was then placed onto a stretcher.

The FBI has taken over the search for the suspect, but Stafford police will file any local charges.

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Route 72 closure impacts busy Ocean County corridor

Route 72 was closed just before 10 a.m. in both directions between Barnacle Drive and Breakers Drive in Stafford Township, but has been reopened. The area includes a Wawa and the Stafford Diner.

Stafford police said that they were involved with traffic control and securing the scene. Stafford police were not part of the ICE operation in compliance with the state's Immigrant Trust Directive.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ, 2nd District, defended ICE agents and was critical of "politicians and activists who continue to demonize them for doing the job they are sworn to do."

"This incident is a reminder of the dangers these brave men and women face. I am grateful the agent is expected to recover, and I will always stand with ICE and law enforcement," Van Drew said.

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Map shows location of ICE agent incident in Stafford Township

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