A man fleeing federal immigration agents was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer Tuesday morning in St. Augustine, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
The victim, described by state authorities as a 28-year-old man, was among four people who ran from a vehicle after an encounter with officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations at a gas station parking lot just before 6:45 a.m., FHP said.
What happened
According to the state highway patrol, the four occupants fled on foot during the encounter. One of them ran across State Road 16 and into the path of an eastbound semi-tractor trailer. The truck struck the pedestrian in the right lane, and he sustained fatal injuries at the scene. The truck driver, identified by FHP as about 64 years old, stopped and attempted to render aid.
"The pedestrian was struck by the tractor-trailer in the right lane and sustained fatal injuries on scene," the Florida Highway Patrol said.
FHP said it was not involved in the initial law enforcement encounter but has opened a separate investigation into the traffic fatality. Federal agencies have not issued a public statement.
Local and broader context
The collision in St. Augustine is the latest death linked to encounters with federal immigration agents in recent days. Officials in Washington have begun to reassess traffic-stop practices after several fatal incidents around the country drew scrutiny.
For residents, the immediate changes are procedural and investigative: FHP will handle the crash probe while federal agencies may review their enforcement steps related to the stop. The stretch of SR 16 near Outlet Mall Boulevard and Inman Road was temporarily closed during the response, county photos show.
- Time: Just before 6:45 a.m.
- Location: Gas station parking lot, State Road 16, St. Augustine
- Victim: 28-year-old man (identity not released)
- Responding agencies: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicles involved | Passenger vehicle (four occupants), tractor-trailer (eastbound) |
| Investigation | FHP open; federal agencies have not commented publicly |
Authorities did not release the victim's name, nationality or immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Officials have said the death will be part of ongoing inquiries into recent fatal encounters involving immigration authorities. Until those reviews conclude, details about why the vehicle was stopped and whether specific enforcement objectives were in place remain unclear.
Local drivers should expect continued law enforcement activity in the area while investigators process the scene and gather evidence. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available from state or federal authorities.
