On Sunday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers apprehended a Cuban national in Minnesota following a high-stakes chase and intense confrontation.
The individual, identified as Juan Carlos Rodríguez Romero, reportedly caused minor injuries to two officers during the incident, as shared by ICE on their social media platform.
The altercation began near Westminster Street in St. Paul when Romero refused to lower his car window during a traffic stop and subsequently fled the scene.
"Romero fled, striking one of the officers," the ICE statement revealed. "ICE agents pursued him, and after a short chase, Romero stopped in a parking lot near his home, colliding with two parked vehicles."
Despite further warnings, Romero "began ramming an ICE vehicle with his car and struck another officer."
Officers managed to intercept Romero's vehicle once more and ordered him to exit. One of the officers, who was hit by Romero's car, fired twice with his service weapon, forcing Romero to drive off again. Fortunately, there were no injuries from the defensive shots, according to ICE.
Ultimately, Romero drove to the entrance of his apartment complex, rammed another ICE vehicle, exited his car, and attempted to escape into his apartment.
Officers pursued and subdued him to the ground. Despite being restrained, Romero continued to resist violently and bit one of the officers.
Two officers sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for evaluation, while Romero was also evaluated at the hospital. He is currently in ICE custody awaiting further charges.
Romero originally entered the United States legally in 2024 using the CBP One application. ICE, as part of its stringent immigration policies, criticized the Biden Administration for "releasing over a million undocumented immigrants without proper vetting into the U.S."
On December 16, ICE detained two Cuban citizens with serious criminal records, labeling them among the "most dangerous illegal foreign offenders" in the country.
These individuals include Pablo Iván Gómez Torres, who has convictions for murder, robbery, kidnapping, and fraud in Miami, Florida; and Mauro Humberto López Alemán, previously convicted of arson in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Details on ICE Operations and Arrests
Who is Juan Carlos Rodríguez Romero?
Juan Carlos Rodríguez Romero is a Cuban national who was apprehended by ICE in Minnesota after a high-speed chase and confrontation that resulted in minor injuries to two officers.
How did ICE respond to Romero's actions?
ICE officers pursued Romero after he fled a traffic stop, eventually leading to a confrontation where officers had to use defensive measures, including firing shots, to subdue him.
What are the charges against Romero?
Romero is currently in custody awaiting further charges following the incident involving his attempt to evade arrest and causing injuries to ICE officers.
Who are the other Cuban nationals recently arrested by ICE?
ICE recently arrested Pablo Iván Gómez Torres and Mauro Humberto López Alemán, both of whom have serious criminal records and are considered among the most dangerous illegal foreign offenders in the U.S.