The situation surrounding Juan Carlos Rodríguez Romero, the Cuban detained after a violent clash with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota, has escalated significantly.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota revealed that Rodríguez Romero could potentially serve up to 20 years in prison, highlighting ongoing scrutiny over the complex immigration challenges faced by many Cubans in the United States.
The 54-year-old has been formally charged with two counts of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, along with an additional charge of assaulting a federal agent, as outlined in a statement released on Monday by the prosecution. According to officials, the weapon in question was his vehicle.
The incident unfolded on the morning of December 21, 2025, when ICE deportation officers attempted to apprehend him in St. Paul. Uniformed agents initiated a traffic stop, but Rodríguez Romero defied orders and attempted to flee. In his escape attempt, he accelerated his car towards on-foot agents, sparking a pursuit that descended into chaos and violence.
After colliding with two parked cars and losing control of his vehicle, agents tried to detain him once more. Undeterred, Rodríguez Romero accelerated again towards the officers. During this second escape attempt, one agent discharged a firearm as the Cuban struck another officer with the car.
The confrontation didn't end there. Once finally subdued, Rodríguez Romero bit an agent's hand, causing a bleeding wound. Two ICE officers required hospital treatment for bruised ribs, a dislocated finger, and the bite wound, as detailed by the federal prosecutor.
Rodríguez Romero remains in custody awaiting a hearing while legal proceedings progress. If convicted, he faces a potential 20-year prison sentence, a prospect that signifies a critical juncture in his immigration case.
The incident was initially reported by ICE on social media, noting that Rodríguez Romero had legally entered the U.S. in 2024 using the CBP One app.
The arrest and subsequent charges are unfolding amidst a backdrop of strong anti-immigrant rhetoric, with federal authorities leveraging such cases to underscore critiques of the Biden administration's immigration policies.
However, the U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized that a formal charge does not equate to a conviction, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Understanding the Legal Implications of Assault Charges
What are the charges against Juan Carlos Rodríguez Romero?
Rodríguez Romero faces two counts of assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and an additional charge of assaulting a federal agent.
What could be the potential sentence if convicted?
If found guilty, Rodríguez Romero could face up to 20 years in prison.
How did the incident with ICE begin?
The incident began when ICE officers attempted to arrest Rodríguez Romero in St. Paul, leading to a traffic stop that escalated into a violent altercation.