STAFFORD TWP., N.J. – A suspect in Monday’s Manahawkin injury of an ICE officer is reportedly in custody.
NJ101.5 reported the news citing law enforcement sources, but few other details were known as Tuesday afternoon.
“On June 15, 2026, ICE law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Manahawkin, New Jersey to arrest Freidrich Castillo-Ormeno, an illegal alien from Peru who was released into our country under the Biden administration,” ICE explained via its official X account. “He was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge on January 30, 2026. ICE law enforcement officers attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. The driver then weaponized his vehicle and struck an officer resulting in the officer discharging his weapon. The driver fled the scene and remains at-large. The injured officer has been transported to a local hospital for treatment. The FBI and local authorities are on the scene. This is a developing situation, and we will update the public when more information is available.”
“There is a pattern of vehicle attacks against our officers,” ICE added. “Our law enforcement officers are facing a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks against them.”
New Jersey has been a Sanctuary State for several years, but the Garden State’s status was formally codified in March when Governor Sherrill signed the infamous “Immigrant Trust Directive” into law which bars local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officers.
“ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to enforce our nation’s laws and protect our communities,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-2) who represents Stafford in Congress. “Yet too many politicians and activists 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.”
