ICE Agents Arrest Honduran National in Roxbury Following Alleged Vehicle Assault on Officer
Federal immigration agents arrested a Honduran national in Roxbury Township, New Jersey, on Tuesday morning after the suspect allegedly attempted to use his vehicle as a weapon against law enforcement. The incident, which resulted in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer discharging their firearm, is now under investigation by state authorities.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) were attempting to apprehend Jesus Fabian Lopez-Banegas when the confrontation occurred. Authorities stated that as agents moved to arrest him, Lopez-Banegas rammed his car into a law enforcement vehicle and subsequently “weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over.”
In response to the immediate threat, an ICE officer fired at the suspect’s vehicle, shooting out the tires to disable the car and prevent further danger. Lopez-Banegas was successfully taken into custody following the engagement. Officials confirmed that there were no reported injuries to the suspect, the federal agents, or any bystanders.
DHS officials described Lopez-Banegas as a “criminal illegal alien” with a prior record. His criminal history reportedly includes charges for drug trafficking, drug possession, and driving under the influence.
“Our officers are facing a 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks and a more than 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest vicious criminal illegal aliens,” the DHS spokesperson said in a statement following the arrest.
The incident caused a temporary disruption in the area, with Roxbury police closing Landing Road from Shippenport Road to Lakeside Boulevard to secure the scene.
In accordance with state protocols regarding law enforcement use of force, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General has launched an independent investigation into the discharge of the officer’s firearm. The investigation is being led by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
Acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a released statement. “We recognize that matters of this nature raise concerns within our communities. Public safety remains our top priority,” Davenport stated. “As Acting Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, it is my duty to protect the safety of residents of this state and uphold the Constitution. I will do everything in my power to fulfill this responsibility.”
The Attorney General’s office is urging anyone who may have witnessed the event or who possesses video footage of the incident to contact the OPIA tip line at 1-844-OPIA-TIP.
This confrontation comes amidst heightened attention on ICE operations in Roxbury, where local debates regarding federal immigration enforcement facilities have been ongoing. However, authorities have not linked this specific arrest operation to those broader community discussions.
Lopez-Banegas remains in federal custody pending further legal proceedings regarding his immigration status and potential charges related to the alleged assault on federal officers.
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* jerseyvindicator.org
