Jose Garnica-Naranjo, a 32-year-old Mexican citizen with previous convictions for domestic violence and assault, was arrested on November 11, 2026, following an incident in which he allegedly dragged and struck a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer with his vehicle in Chicago Heights, Illinois. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the incident occurred a day earlier during an attempted immigration enforcement operation. The officer was hospitalized with injuries to his legs but was subsequently released. Federal authorities identified Garnica-Naranjo as the driver and said his criminal record included previous convictions for domestic violence and assault.
What Happened During the ICE Operation?
The incident occurred on the morning of November 10, 2026, in Chicago Heights, a suburb south of Chicago.
According to DHS, ICE officers spotted Garnica-Naranjo leaving a residence and followed his vehicle before attempting to conduct a traffic stop.
When officers approached the car, they instructed him to turn off the engine. Authorities allege that he refused to comply.
Officers then attempted to remove him from the vehicle. DHS said Garnica-Naranjo accelerated and attempted to flee while an Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officer was partially inside the vehicle through the driver's-side window.
As the vehicle moved away, it crossed a raised median planted with trees, causing the officer to be thrown from the car. Authorities further alleged that the vehicle struck the officer as Garnica-Naranjo continued fleeing.
Who Is Jose Garnica-Naranjo?
Jose Garnica-Naranjo is a 32-year-old Mexican citizen identified by DHS as the driver involved in the Chicago Heights incident.
Federal immigration authorities described him as being unlawfully present in the United States. They also reported that his criminal history includes previous convictions for domestic violence and assault.
However, the initial reports did not provide the dates, jurisdictions, or specific circumstances of those convictions. No additional details about his personal or professional background were established in the available reporting.
Garnica-Naranjo was taken into custody on November 11, one day after the alleged encounter with ICE officers.
ICE Officer Hospitalized With Leg Injuries
The officer involved in the incident was transported to a local hospital following the collision.
According to DHS, he sustained contusions, cuts, and scrapes to his legs. Medical examinations reportedly found no broken bones.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that the officer had been hospitalized and was later released.
The incident occurred while the officer was attempting to detain Garnica-Naranjo during the immigration enforcement operation.
Garnica-Naranjo's Previous Criminal Record
ICE cited previous convictions for domestic violence and assault as part of the background information released following Garnica-Naranjo's arrest.
The department did not provide detailed records of the cases or specify when the convictions occurred. Consequently, the available information establishes only the categories of prior convictions reported by federal authorities, not the full circumstances of his criminal history.
Conclusion
Jose Garnica-Naranjo was arrested on November 11, 2026, following an alleged vehicle assault on an ICE officer during an attempted immigration arrest in Chicago Heights, Illinois. DHS said he accelerated while the officer was partially inside his vehicle, causing the officer to fall onto the roadway before being struck by the car.
The officer suffered several leg injuries but was released from the hospital. Garnica-Naranjo, whose previous convictions include domestic violence and assault according to ICE, remains at the center of the case surrounding the November 10 incident.
- Log in to post comments