Feds Accuse Cuban National Of Assault With Vehicle, Biting ICE Agent

ST. PAUL, MN — Federal prosecutors have charged a Cuban national with multiple assault counts after authorities say he used a vehicle against ICE officers and bit one agent during a failed arrest attempt in St. Paul.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez Romero, 54, was indicted on two counts of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault on a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced.

According to the indictment, Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officers attempted to arrest Rodriguez Romero on the morning of Dec. 21, 2025.

Federal authorities say Rodriguez Romero, who is a citizen of Cuba and subject to removal, refused to comply after uniformed ICE officers initiated a traffic stop.

Prosecutors allege Rodriguez Romero attempted to flee and accelerated his vehicle toward ICE officers who were on foot. After striking two parked cars and losing control of the vehicle, officers attempted to apprehend him a second time.

During that encounter, authorities say Rodriguez Romero again accelerated toward officers, prompting one officer to fire his weapon. Prosecutors said Rodriguez Romero struck one ICE officer with his vehicle while attempting to flee.

After he was taken into custody, authorities say Rodriguez Romero bit one ICE officer’s hand, drawing blood.

Two ICE officers were transported to the hospital, according to federal officials. Their injuries included bruised ribs, a dislocated finger, and a bite wound.

Rodriguez Romero remains detained pending a detention hearing. If convicted on the most serious charge, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Syngen Kanassatega is prosecuting the case.

Editor’s note: An incorrect booking photo appeared in an earlier version of this article and has been removed.