Man Dies Fleeing ICE Agents in Florida: Third Death in a Week
A 28-year-old Mexican man died on July 14, 2026, after running into a busy Florida highway to escape federal immigration agents — and being struck by a semi truck. It was the third death linked to immigration enforcement in a single week. The incident is now under investigation by Florida Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — approached four men in a vehicle parked at a convenience store on a busy road in St. Augustine, Florida. All four men fled. One ran into traffic and was hit by a tractor-trailer. Master Sgt. Dylan Bryan of the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the man died at the scene. The truck driver stopped immediately and tried to help.
What DHS Said — and What It Didn't
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the victim was a Mexican national but did not say whether he was the target of an arrest operation. DHS said Florida Highway Patrol and HSI are investigating. The man's identity has not been released. It is also unclear whether the other three men were arrested or escaped. A Border Patrol vehicle was photographed at the scene, and a homeland security source said Border Patrol agents may also have been present.
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This death came one day after ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian immigrant, during an arrest attempt in Maine. The week before, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed by ICE agents in Texas while he and co-workers were on their way to work. All three deaths have sparked intense public backlash against DHS and ICE enforcement operations.
What to Do If ICE Approaches You
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the US.
- Do not run. Running into traffic or away from agents can put your life at risk and may be used against you legally.
- If agents stop you, ask clearly: "Am I free to go?" If they say no, say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and I want to speak to a lawyer."
- Contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible if you or someone you know was present during an ICE encounter — even if no arrest was made.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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Under the Fourth Amendment, you have the right not to be stopped without reasonable suspicion and not to be arrested without a warrant or probable cause — these rights apply regardless of immigration status. If ICE approaches you, do not physically resist, but clearly state that you do not consent to a search and that you want an attorney. Anyone present during an enforcement operation, even as a bystander, should speak with an immigration lawyer before making any statements to law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stop and talk to ICE agents if they approach me on the street?
No. You have the right to remain silent. You can ask, "Am I free to go?" If the agent says yes, you may walk away calmly. If they say no, state that you are exercising your right to remain silent and want to speak to a lawyer. Do not run.
Can ICE arrest me without a warrant?
ICE agents can arrest someone without a warrant if they believe the person has committed an immigration violation and there is no time to get one. However, to enter your home, they generally need a judicial warrant signed by a judge — not just an administrative immigration warrant. An immigration attorney can explain the difference.
What happens to the other people in a vehicle or group when ICE targets one person?
ICE may question everyone present. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status. Each person's situation is different — some may be detained, others released. Anyone questioned should contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.
If someone dies during an ICE operation, who investigates?
In this case, both Florida Highway Patrol and HSI are conducting investigations. DHS said it will provide updates. Deaths during federal law enforcement operations can also trigger independent reviews, congressional inquiries, or civil rights investigations, depending on the circumstances.