ICE Chase Ends in Dangerous Teaneck Crash: Driver Trapped Under Live Power Wires
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TEANECK, NJ — A high-stakes pursuit by federal immigration agents turned dangerous in Bergen County over the weekend when an ICE chase culminated in a two-car collision, snapping a utility pole and trapping an innocent bystander under live electrical wires.
Emergency dispatchers in Teaneck received multiple 911 calls around 11:21 a.m. on Sunday reporting a serious vehicle crash at the intersection of Queen Anne Road and Walraven Drive. One of the emergency callers identified himself as an agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
High-Speed Chase Causes Utility Pole Collapse
According to local authorities, ICE agents were pursuing a suspect driving a 2017 Toyota Tacoma along Walraven Drive. During the chase, the Toyota struck an occupied 2026 Nissan Rogue parked near a utility pole.
The impact sent the Nissan crashing directly into the pole, snapping it in two and bringing live power lines down onto the street and across surrounding vehicles.
The occupant of the parked Nissan was trapped inside the vehicle for nearly an hour as emergency responders waited for Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) crews to shut off power and clear the high-voltage lines safely.
Driver Charged as Local Police Confirm No Prior ICE Notice
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was identified by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson as Luis Angel Cifuentes Rodas, a citizen of Guatemala. Authorities stated that Cifuentes had entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and location.
Cifuentes complained of head injuries at the scene and was treated by the Teaneck Fire Department and Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Teaneck Police Chief Andrew McGurr confirmed no other injuries were reported.
Teaneck police are charging Cifuentes locally with:
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Reckless driving
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Driving on the sidewalk
In addition to local charges, DHS officials stated Cifuentes will face federal immigration charges in front of a Justice Department immigration judge.
“While trying to dangerously evade arrest, Cifuentes crashed his vehicle into a parked car, causing power lines to fall,” a DHS spokesperson stated. “Resisting officers and evading arrest is dangerous for our officers, illegal aliens, and the public. We remind the public that resisting officers and evading arrests is a felony and a federal crime.”
Growing Concerns Over Unannounced ICE Operations
Police Chief McGurr confirmed that ICE agents did not notify local authorities or Teaneck police prior to conducting the operation in town that day.
The incident highlights growing tension and safety concerns among local residents in Teaneck and neighboring Hackensack, where community members have reported an increase in unannounced ICE law enforcement operations in recent months.
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Irresponsible.