An ICE agent was injured after being struck by a vehicle driven by a fugitive during an enforcement operation in Stafford Township, and the suspect remained at large as of Tuesday, according to Assemblyman Greg Myhre.
STAFFORD — A fugitive sought by federal immigration authorities remained on the loose in Ocean County after allegedly striking an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent with a vehicle during an attempted apprehension in Ocean County.
The suspect: Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno
ICE says the suspect is Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno, a migrant who was released into the United States during the administration of President Joe Biden and has been given a final order for removal by a federal immigration judge.
“On June 15, 2026, ICE law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Manahawkin, New Jersey to arrest Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno, an illegal alien from Peru who was released into our country under the Biden administration. He was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge on January 30, 2026,” ICE told Shore News Network today. “ICE law enforcement officers attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. The driver then weaponized his vehicle and struck an officer resulting in the officer discharging his weapon. The driver fled the scene and remains at-large.
“There is a pattern of vehicle attacks against our officers. Our law enforcement officers are facing a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks against them,” a spokesperson for ICE said today.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Route 72 and Mermaid Drive in Stafford Township, according to Assemblyman Greg Myhre, who visited the area and released a statement following the encounter.
Fugitive fled after striking an agent
Myhre said the ICE agent was attempting to take the suspect into custody when the individual used a vehicle to flee, striking the federal officer in the process.
“I’m here at the corner of Route 72 and Mermaid Drive in Stafford Township, where earlier today an ICE agent was struck by an illegal alien,” Myhre said in a video statement.
“Now, the agent was trying to apprehend the illegal, and unfortunately, he was struck, and as far as I know, the fugitive is on the loose.”
Myhre added that he had been informed the injured agent is expected to recover.
“We’re praying for the officer’s recovery. From what I have heard, he will be making a recovery,” he said. “And we also want to see that fugitive get captured.”
ICE releases statement after incident
On June 15, 2026, ICE law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Manahawkin, New Jersey to arrest Freidrich Castillo-Ormeno, an illegal alien from Peru who was released into our country under the Biden administration. He was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge on January 30, 2026.
ICE law enforcement officers attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. The driver then weaponized his vehicle and struck an officer resulting in the officer discharging his weapon. The driver fled the scene and remains at-large.
The injured officer has been transported to a local hospital for treatment. The FBI and local authorities are on the scene. This is a developing situation, and we will update the public when more information is available.
There is a pattern of vehicle attacks against our officers. Our law enforcement officers are facing a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks against them.
Shore News Network has reached out to our contact within ICE for more details. We will update the article as we receive more information.
Assemblyman criticizes New Jersey immigration policies
The Ocean County lawmaker used the incident to criticize New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, commonly referred to by critics as the state’s sanctuary policies.
“Myhre said local police and federal immigration authorities should be able to coordinate more closely when it comes to immigration enforcement.
“New Jersey is what many people call a sanctuary state,” he said. “That is where our local police really can’t coordinate with ICE and other federal authorities when it comes to immigration enforcement, which is a real shame because we should work with each other to enforce all laws.”
Calls for greater cooperation with federal authorities
Myhre argued that federal immigration laws should be enforced throughout New Jersey and said local, state, and federal agencies should work together on enforcement efforts.
“We’re the United States of America,” Myhre said. “Federal law will be enforced here in Manahawkin. It will be enforced in Ocean County. It will be enforced in New Jersey.”
Authorities have not publicly released the identity of the suspect, and federal officials have not yet released additional details regarding the incident or the ongoing search.
Key Points
• An ICE agent was struck by a vehicle during an attempted apprehension in Stafford Township
• The suspect reportedly fled and remained at large following the incident
• Assemblyman Greg Myhre cited the case while criticizing New Jersey’s immigration enforcement policies