BREAKING NEWS:‘THIS IS NOT MINNEAPOLIS’: DeSantis Draws Line Against Violence Toward ICE and Law Enforcement in Florida.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a firm warning to residents and protesters that violent attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other law enforcement officials will not be tolerated in the Sunshine State — a message he emphasized by contrasting Florida’s approach with recent unrest in Minneapolis.

The Incident That Sparked the Warning.

The governor’s remarks came after a dramatic confrontation in Jacksonville this week in which a 40-year-old woman, identified as Jennifer Cruz, allegedly exited her vehicle during a joint enforcement operation involving Florida law officers and federal ICE agents and punched a Florida state trooper in the face.

Video footage from the scene outside Mi Pueblo grocery store showed Cruz resisting arrest, kicking at officers and appearing to taunt them before she was ultimately subdued, tased, and taken into custody.

She was booked into Duval County Jail on multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and threatening officers. Cruz was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court.

DeSantis’ Message: “This Is Not Minneapolis.”

At a press conference following the arrest, Gov. DeSantis forcefully condemned the attack and used the phrase “This is not Minneapolis” to underscore his message.

He framed Florida as a state that supports law enforcement and will swiftly hold violent offenders accountable, rather than allowing unrest around federal immigration actions to escalate.

DeSantis stressed that while people have the right to express disagreement with government policy, including immigration enforcement, violence crosses a line.

He said protest within legal bounds is acceptable, but assaults on law officers will bring consequences.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also weighed in via social media, publicly identifying the woman and sharply criticizing her actions, reinforcing the governor’s stance that such attacks are unacceptable in Florida.

National Context: Minneapolis Tensions and ICE Clashes.

DeSantis’ reference to Minneapolis is rooted in ongoing controversy there over immigration enforcement and protests.

In that city, large federal deployments and clashes with residents have drawn national attention after several incidents involving ICE agents and the deaths or injuries of civilians, sparking protests and legal challenges.

A federal judge in Minnesota recently issued an order limiting aggressive tactics by immigration agents against peaceful demonstrators.

By invoking Minneapolis, DeSantis contrasted Florida’s strict law-and-order approach with the heightened tensions and legal restrictions unfolding in parts of the Upper Midwest — positioning his state as one where orderly conduct and adherence to law enforcement will be enforced without hesitation.

What This Means Going Forward.

The governor’s warning sends a clear signal to both supporters and critics of immigration policy:

Violence against law enforcement — federal or state — will be prosecuted.

Florida officials emphasize cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

Public dissent is permitted, but must stay within lawful protest boundaries.

DeSantis’ remarks are also part of a broader political narrative on immigration enforcement ahead of future elections, positioning Florida as a state that prioritizes public safety and strong support for law enforcement personnel.