SAN DIEGO, Oct 25: In a dramatic confrontation on Wednesday, three federal officers were injured when a man—identified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as being in the country illegally—rammed his vehicle into multiple government cars in an attempt to escape arrest.

According to Patrick Divver, ICE San Diego Field Office Director, the suspect deliberately struck ICE officers before colliding with several government vehicles. “This illegal criminal alien, wanted in his home country of Kuwait and with a violent criminal history, weaponized his car, narrowly missing innocent bystanders and striking ICE officers,” Divver said in a statement to ABC News.

ICE confirmed that the man was in the United States illegally and already had a final order of deportation issued against him. His name has not been released pending further investigation.

Eyewitness Michael Burreec told ABC’s San Diego affiliate KGTV that the terrifying incident unfolded in a residential neighborhood with a 20 mph speed limit and a day care center nearby, heightening fears that the reckless act could have resulted in greater tragedy.

All three injured federal officers and the suspect were transported to a local hospital for treatment. ICE said it intends to pursue criminal charges for “assaulting, resisting, opposing, and impeding” federal officers during the lawful arrest operation.

Divver condemned the suspect’s actions, describing them as a “blatant disregard for human life and the rule of law,” and emphasized that ICE San Diego will continue its mission to locate and remove dangerous illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety.

He further added that this case reflects how “misinformed and unjust rhetoric against ICE” can embolden individuals to flee or assault federal officers performing their lawful duties under congressionally approved immigration enforcement laws.