Jennifer Cruz could be sentenced to a prison term of up to 20 years and fined as much as $250,000.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a federal courtroom, a woman from Jacksonville admitted guilt after an incident where, according to prosecutors, she attacked a state trooper during a clash with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Beach Boulevard.
On Wednesday, Jennifer Cruz acknowledged her guilt to charges of assaulting a federal officer and others assisting them.
Though the date for her sentencing has not yet been set, Cruz is looking at the possibility of up to 20 years behind bars or a hefty fine reaching $250,000.
The arrest took place on January 13, 2026, when Cruz paused to record an immigration enforcement activity occurring near Mi Pueblo. The situation intensified after troopers found she was driving with a suspended license. According to court records, Cruz resisted law enforcement’s request for her car keys, leading to a confrontation.
After being restrained by ICE agents, Cruz was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol and charged with multiple counts of resisting law enforcement with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer. She was able to post bond and was released from Duval County Jail; however, she was arrested shortly after on a federal charge of resisting an officer.
Court documents state that the agent who was struck had received injuries to multiple parts of their face and left hand and was taken to a local hospital.
Cruz is due back in Duval County court later this month regarding the state-level charges.