U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended “several individuals” in the Jersey City Heights near the Hoboken border this morning, officials said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Earlier today, my office received reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity along the Hoboken–Jersey City border,” Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour said in a Nixle alert.
“Upon learning of the situation, Councilman Joe Quintero and I went directly to the area near the 9th Street Light Rail Station, where we spoke to multiple witnesses who confirmed they saw unmarked vehicles and several individuals being apprehended from the light rail train and in the area of the station.”
A video obtained my HCV shows a man who was riding a bicycle at the 9th Street Light Rail Station in the Jersey City Heights, near the Hoboken border, being apprehended by a single ICE agent.
The arrestee attempts to flee on foot, but the agent captures him and places him in an unmarked vehicle with a license plate either missing or obscured before driving off.
ICE did not immediately return an email seeking comment early Sunday afternoon.
Jabbour added that the Hoboken Police Department was not contacted by ICE, nor did they assist in the arrests in any way, via the Nixle alert.
She continued that she has been in contact with Jersey City Mayor James Solomon and U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) over the incident, indicating that details are scarce at this time.
“I know how unsettling and frightening this news can feel, especially for our immigrant neighbors. Hoboken is a Fair and Welcoming community, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” Jabbour also wrote.
“We remain committed to supporting every resident, regardless of background or immigration status. You are valued, you are part of our community, and you are not alone.”
She also recommends that anyone with concerns reaches out to the Hoboken Office of Constituent Affairs or the New Jersey Office of New Americans, as well as to consult the ACLU’s “Know Your Rights – Immigrant Rights” guide.
“Her predecessor, Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (D-32), recommended that all interactions with ICE be recorded, as well as to contact the Spirit of Liberation hotline if ICE agents are spotted,” he wrote on X.
” … We urge all residents to remain vigilant, lawfully record any incidents with ICE, and to stay home if needed. We will continue to share updates and relevant information as it becomes available. Please stay safe. See ICE? Call the Spirit of Liberation hotline here: +1 201-616-2816.”
Last month, Solomon and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy signed virtually identical executive orders banning ICE on city or county property, both as HCV first reported.
“We have confirmed reports that federal immigration enforcement agents are operating in Jersey City and surrounding areas today. I want to be direct with our residents: you have rights, and this city will defend them,” Solomon said this afternoon.
“To our immigrant neighbors: You do not have to open your door without a warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to a lawyer. Do not sign anything you do not understand … Jersey City is America’s Golden Door. We will fight to keep it open.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.