A federal immigration enforcement operation in southern Ocean County led to a dramatic incident this morning when a suspect allegedly struck an ICE agent with a vehicle and fled, prompting a major police response and an ongoing search.

According to authorities, the incident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were reportedly attempting to apprehend a suspect when the individual fled the scene in a vehicle, striking an ICE agent in the process.

The agent then discharged his firearm at the fleeing vehicle, reportedly striking it. Despite the gunfire, the suspect continued fleeing and had not been located as of Monday afternoon.

The injured ICE agent sustained injuries of an unknown severity. Authorities have not said whether the suspect was injured.

Officials stressed that there is currently no indication of any ongoing threat to the public.

Stafford Township Police said they were not involved in the ICE operation and were not assisting federal agents, citing New Jersey’s Attorney General Immigrant Trust Directive. The department’s role has been limited to securing the scene and managing traffic around the affected section of Route 72.

The investigation is being handled by other agencies, and additional information has not yet been released.

Motorists traveling through southern Ocean County are advised to avoid the area near Route 72 and Mermaid Drive as investigators remain on scene. Authorities said road closures are expected to remain in place for several hours, with alternate routes available through the Ocean Acres section of Stafford Township.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.