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A Jacksonville woman, Jennifer Cruz, is facing allegations of assaulting a Florida state trooper following an incident that began with her filming ICE agents during an operation. The situation intensified when officers discovered that her driver’s license was suspended.
In a recent development, Cruz has been released from federal custody after a judge approved her release at a hearing on Monday morning.
The events unfolded on January 13, 2026, when Cruz stopped on Beach Blvd to record an immigration enforcement action. Tensions rose when state troopers identified that she was driving with a suspended license. According to court records, Cruz resisted law enforcement directives, particularly when officers requested her car keys.
During Monday’s court proceedings, dashcam footage was presented, showing Cruz attempting to kick officers at the scene. The court documents also reveal that she struck a trooper in the face.
Cruz was subsequently subdued by ICE agents, leading to her arrest by the Florida Highway Patrol. She faces several charges, including resisting law enforcement with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer. She initially secured her release from the Duval County Jail by posting bond but was re-arrested shortly afterward on a federal charge of resisting an officer.
The U.S. Attorney on the federal case argued Cruz should remain detained because they believe she is a flight risk with ties to Mexico. They also believe she is a danger to the community, given the violent nature of the charges she faces.
Cruz’s attorney, Alan Ceballos, argued this was an emotionally charged moment heightened by the fact that Cruz was not taking her anxiety medication properly. He added that Cruz called her daughter on the way to jail and told her she messed up and wanted to apologize to the trooper she hurt.
“On the way to jail, she called her daughter and said I was wrong, I wish I had an opportunity to apologize to law enforcement. And that speaks volumes about what the true measure of this woman’s character is and I think the judge was appropriately influenced in her direction because of that,” Ceballos said.
The judge ultimately granted Cruz’s release. She was required to give up her passport and is not allowed to travel outside of the Middle District of Florida. She will also have to undergo regular drug testing and psychological evaluation. If Cruz fails to appear in court, she will be required to pay a $50,000 bond.
Cruz still faces 14 charges in Duval County Circuit Court.
