A Jacksonville woman entered a guilty plea in federal court after prosecutors say she assaulted a state trooper during a confrontation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Beach Boulevard.
Jennifer Cruz pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of assaulting a federal officer and persons assisting federal officers.
A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled; However, Cruz faces up to 20 years in prison or a maximum fine of up to $250,000.
Cruz was arrested on Jan. 13, 2026, after she stopped to film an immigration enforcement operation happening near Mi Pueblo. The situation escalated after state troopers determined she was driving on a suspended license, and court documents state Cruz became combative and refused to comply with commands when law enforcement asked for her car keys.
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.