A Sunday encounter in St. Paul, Minnesota, escalated into a violent confrontation when a Cuban national allegedly used a vehicle as a weapon against federal immigration officers. The incident left two officers injured and highlighted the challenges faced during routine enforcement actions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers identified the individual as Juan Carlos Rodrigues Romero. They initially approached Romero near Westminster Street on December 21st, conducting a lawful traffic stop as he entered a white SUV.
When officers requested Romero lower his window, he reportedly refused, ignoring repeated lawful commands. Warnings were issued that the window would be broken if he didn’t comply, but instead of cooperating, Romero abruptly drove forward, striking an officer in the process.
A pursuit ensued, leading Romero to a parking lot where he collided with two parked vehicles. Officers again attempted to stop him, ordering him to exit the SUV, but Romero allegedly rammed an ICE unit, injuring another officer.
In response to the escalating threat, one officer discharged their service weapon, firing two rounds at Romero’s vehicle. Fortunately, no one was struck, and Romero continued his attempt to escape, driving towards his apartment complex.
He rammed yet another ICE vehicle at the apartment entrance before attempting to flee on foot. Officers quickly apprehended Romero, but he continued to resist, violently struggling and even biting one of the arresting officers.
Both injured officers received medical attention at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Romero was also transported to a hospital for evaluation and remains in ICE custody.
The incident raises questions about Romero’s initial entry into the United States. Records indicate he was admitted in 2024 through the Biden administration’s CBP One app, a program designed to manage border arrivals.
The CBP One app, launched in January 2023, allowed migrants to schedule appointments for entry at official ports of entry, granting them temporary parole status and work authorization while their asylum claims were processed. Nearly one million migrants utilized the app before protections were altered.
In April, the administration announced the termination of protections for some migrants who entered under the CBP One program, requiring them to leave the country or face a permanent ban. This policy shift followed initial expansion of the app’s use to facilitate entry at ports of entry.
The use of the CBP One app stands in stark contrast to the policies of the previous administration. Former President Trump ended the use of the app upon taking office, pausing parole programs and allowing ICE to cancel existing parole statuses.
Data reveals the CBP One app facilitated the admission of over 936,500 people into the U.S. through December 2024, a significant number that underscores the program’s impact on border management and immigration patterns.
