Suspect Detained by ICE Following Incident Involving Fentanyl and Cocaine Exposure to Deputy’s Face

A deputy from Wisconsin fell ill after unintentionally inhaling airborne fentanyl and cocaine while handling money seized from a suspect accused of drug-related offenses, officials reported.

The incident occurred as Jose Fredy Rodriguez Acuna, a 25-year-old resident of Portage, was being processed at the jail on March 31, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s office.

Earlier that day, Acuna had been apprehended during a traffic stop. As part of the booking procedure, deputies were cataloging his personal items, authorities stated.

“While examining the U.S. currency taken from the suspect, a deputy unfolded a bill, releasing a powdery substance that became airborne and hit her face,” explained Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner, describing the exposure.

Acuna, arrested in Wisconsin on drug charges, was the source of the airborne powdered cocaine and fentanyl that caused the deputy’s illness, according to officials. (Getty Images; Columbia County Sheriff’s Office)

The deputy suffered a “medical event” and needed immediate care, authorities said. Other deputies administered Narcan, an over-the-counter nasal spray or injection that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, on the sick deputy.

A deputy suffered a “medical event” after being exposed to alleged powdered cocaine and fentanyl. (iStock)

The deputy was taken to a hospital and was expected to make a full recovery. 

The powdered substance tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl, the sheriff’s office said. Last week, Acuna was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of narcotic drugs. 

He was ordered held on a $1,000 cash bond. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer request with the sheriff’s office, and he was taken into federal custody.

A close-up image of a pill press machine in New York on June 24, 2024. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Brandner noted that people arrested for drug offenses often conceal drugs and paraphernalia in their belongings during the intake process.

“The danger doesn’t stop on the street, and our jail staff must be prepared for his danger,” he said. “Our staff did a fantastic job identifying and responding to this life-threatening emergency. We are thankful that the deputy will be able to recover.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to ICE.

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