The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is cheering after a woman convicted of assaulting federal immigration officers received a 15-month prison sentence.

Jennifer Susan Cruz was convicted for a Jan. 13 incident in which she punched a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper in the face, was placed in a police vehicle, and then assaulted ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials who were in the same vehicle. The incident took place during a traffic stop involving illegal aliens.

“This woman thought she could get away with viciously assaulting federal law enforcement officers who were in the middle of arresting illegal aliens,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. “Let this be a warning to anyone out there who thinks they have a right to interfere with immigration enforcement and attack our officers: don’t even think about it."

Her arrest comes as federal agencies continue to pursue President Donald Trump's mass deportation initiatives, which have attracted considerable pushback across the nation. Other officials pointed to the case as a warning for other would-be assailants.

“By refusing to comply with lawful commands and assaulting officers during a law enforcement operation, the defendant in this case caused physical harm to officers and placed the public at risk,” U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said. “Now, she will face the consequences of her actions.” 

“Assaulting law enforcement officers who are carrying out their lawful duties is intolerable,” HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker added. “HSI is committed to upholding the rule of law, especially against those who attack the men and women sworn to protect our communities and enforce our laws.”

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.