Authorities investigate ICE ramming incident in New Jersey
In a stark reminder of rising tensions, criminal defense attorney Josh Ritter and ex-NYPD Lieutenant Darrin Porcher have expressed grave concerns over a disturbing incident in New Jersey. The case, involving an illegal immigrant allegedly striking an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent with a vehicle, underscores a staggering 3300% surge in vehicular assaults targeting law enforcement officers.
ICE has taken action by placing a detainer on an illegal immigrant linked to a shocking event in Nashville where a vehicle rammed into a group of people, leaving four injured.
According to the Nashville police, Felipe Alvarado Hernandez, age 47, was apprehended on June 13. He allegedly drove his pickup truck onto a Nashville sidewalk, striking four pedestrians while attempting to make a left turn. Two victims were left in need of wheelchairs.
Following the incident, Hernandez faced several charges, including leaving the scene of an accident and failing to provide necessary information or aid. Additionally, he was charged for not filing an accident report, violating financial responsibility with injury, and operating a vehicle with a revoked license. His arrest came on July 28, more than a month after the hit-and-run.
Felipe Alvarado Hernandez, 47, is in custody for his involvement in an incident that left four injured in downtown Nashville. (MNPD)
A Department of Homeland Security official told News Media that ICE New Orleans has lodged a detainer for Hernandez recently after he was charged.
The official said that one of the victims was still hospitalized at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Burn Unit as of July 29.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel provide security in the French Quarter prior to Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 8, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
“When illegal aliens break our laws and endanger our communities, ICE will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure they face the consequences of their actions. Our officers remain committed to enforcing the law professionally, protecting the public, and upholding the trust placed in us by the American people,” said ERO New Orleans acting Field Office Director Scott Ladwig.
According to DHS, Hernandez entered the country at an unknown date and location. He agreed to leave the country on Jan. 5, 2004, after Michigan’s Roseville Police Department referred him to ICE following an arrest on a retail fraud charge that was later dropped.
Nashville city skyline at dusk in Tennessee. (John Greim/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
License plate reader technology was used on the pickup truck Hernandez was driving in order to get his information.