Jennifer Cruz was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison following a January 2026 physical altercation with law enforcement.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville woman has been sentenced to prison after prosecutors say she assaulted a state trooper during a confrontation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Beach Boulevard.

As part of her sentencing, Jennifer Cruz will serve 15 months in federal prison.

“By refusing to comply with lawful commands and assaulting officers during a law enforcement operation, the defendant in this case caused physical harm to officers and placed the public at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Now, she will face the consequences of her actions.” 



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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 injuries to multiple parts of their face and left hand and was taken to a local hospital.

“Assaulting law enforcement officers who are carrying out their lawful duties is intolerable,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI is committed to upholding the rule of law, especially against those who attack the men and women sworn to protect our communities and enforce our laws.”

Cruz pleaded guilty in June to the charge of assaulting a federal officer and persons assisting federal officers.

Coinciding with her federal sentencing, Cruz is due back in Duval County on Oct. 15, where she faces her final pretrial date ahead of jury selection.