Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, has issued a stern warning against violence directed at law enforcement officials, particularly focusing on agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The governor’s remarks follow the arrest of Jennifer Cruz, a Jacksonville woman, who allegedly assaulted a state trooper during an incident outside a grocery store in Jackson on January 30, 2024.
During a news conference, DeSantis emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This is not Minneapolis. This is not going to end well for you in Florida.” The altercation took place in the parking lot of Mi Pueblo, a Mexican grocery store, where federal and state law enforcement were conducting an operation. Video footage captured Cruz shouting obscenities and kicking as she was placed in the back of a police vehicle after she allegedly punched a state trooper in the face.
According to reports, the confrontation escalated after Cruz exited her vehicle and allegedly attacked the officer. James Uthmeier, Florida’s Attorney General, shared a still image from the police car’s dashboard camera that showed Cruz smiling during her apprehension. He remarked, “This is Jennifer Cruz of Jacksonville. Jennifer disagrees with immigration enforcement and decided to commit a few felonies by getting out of her car and punching a Trooper in the face.” Uthmeier also took the opportunity to criticize officials in Minnesota who have called for the removal of ICE from the state, adding, “But unlike Minnesota, we don’t put up with this nonsense. Not today, Jennifer.”
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Juan Alvarez, the owner of the grocery store, stated that law enforcement had initially detained another individual before Cruz’s involvement. “After that, they detained another person, and it seems they got into an altercation with that person,” Alvarez explained. “It turned violent, and that led to the presence of a lot more police and federal enforcement showing up.”
Cruz faces several charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and making threats to officers. After her arrest, she was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 4, 2024.
During the news conference, DeSantis reiterated the importance of lawful protest, stating, “You have a right to go out there and criticize government policy. You can go out there and protest within respected zones, but the idea that you’re going to assault one of our troopers is unacceptable, and you are going to face consequences as a result of that.”
The incident has drawn attention not only for its violent nature but also for the broader implications regarding law enforcement and immigration enforcement in Florida. As state authorities continue to navigate these challenging issues, DeSantis’s warning underscores a firm stance against violence directed at those in uniform.
