Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a powerful message to lawbreakers who think they can assault police officers during immigration enforcement operations, declaring “This is not Minneapolis” after a Jacksonville woman was arrested for punching a state trooper in the face.
Story Highlights
- Jennifer Cruz, 40, arrested for punching Florida Highway Patrol trooper during ICE operation
- DeSantis contrasts Florida’s zero-tolerance approach with Minneapolis’ perceived leniency toward anti-police violence
- Cruz faces multiple felony charges including battery on law enforcement and resisting with violence
- Incident reflects heightened ICE enforcement under Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdown
Jacksonville Woman Attacks Trooper During Immigration Stop
Jennifer Cruz of Jacksonville made a catastrophic decision on January 13, 2026, when she exited her vehicle outside Mi Pueblo Mexican grocery store on Beach Boulevard and allegedly punched a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in the face. The assault occurred during a routine traffic stop that involved ICE agents detaining another driver. Cruz was immediately arrested and charged with battery on law enforcement, resisting an officer with violence, and driving with a suspended license.
Store owner Juan Alvarez witnessed the entire incident and recorded video showing approximately 12-13 officers responding to the scene, some wearing masks. This marked the first such violent confrontation at his establishment, despite the area experiencing increased ICE enforcement operations following the 2024 elections and Trump’s return to the presidency.
DeSantis Draws Sharp Contrast With Minneapolis Chaos
Governor DeSantis addressed the incident at a Jacksonville press conference on January 15, delivering a clear warning to anyone considering similar attacks on law enforcement. His reference to Minneapolis directly invoked the chaos and anti-police sentiment that erupted during the 2020 riots following George Floyd’s death, when officers faced widespread criticism and many felt the justice system failed to protect them.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier amplified the message on social media, posting Cruz’s image with the pointed statement: “This is Jennifer Cruz… punching a Trooper in the face… unlike Minnesota, we don’t put up with this nonsense. Not today, Jennifer.” Uthmeier later added that “Jennifer disagrees with immigration enforcement and decided to commit a few felonies,” highlighting the absurdity of responding to legal enforcement with criminal violence.
Florida Backs Law Enforcement Against Immigration Interference
The incident demonstrates Florida’s unwavering commitment to supporting federal immigration enforcement and protecting officers from assault. DeSantis emphasized that Florida has “a responsibility to help… laws be enforced” and warned potential attackers that violent resistance “is not going to end well for you in Florida.” This stands in stark contrast to sanctuary jurisdictions that obstruct immigration enforcement.
As of January 16, 2026, Cruz remains in Duval County jail facing multiple felony charges while ICE operations continue throughout Northeast Florida. The swift prosecution sends a clear message that Florida will prosecute anyone who interferes with lawful immigration enforcement through violence, protecting both officers and the rule of law that keeps communities safe.
