Bloomfield Residents On Edge After ICE Arrests In North Jersey, Mayor Says

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Weekend reports of “ICE activity” in two nearby North Jersey cities have got some Bloomfield residents ringing alarm bells, the town’s mayor says.

Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell issued an update on Monday about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the Hoboken/Jersey City area.

ICE agents arrested at least two employees of Hoboken businesses on Sunday morning near the border of the two cities. Local residents posted videos and photos of a uniformed ICE agent arresting a man on a bicycle near the light rail elevator in Jersey City Heights, a conduit used by residents to travel down the Palisade cliffs to get to Hoboken.

A second video posted to social media shows a local councilman asking a group of agents in the elevator if they have warrants, to which one replies: “We don't need a warrant, bro. Stop getting that in your head.”

On Tuesday afternoon, a federal official responded to inquiries from Patch by saying that of the 10 arrested, some were wanted for illegally re-entering the country.

>> READ MORE: 'Don't Need A Warrant, Bro': Officials Address ICE Arrests In NJ

According to Mundell, the arrests have been raising alarm among some Bloomfield residents.

Here’s what the mayor had to say:

“Given the recent cruel and unacceptable actions by ICE agents across the country and in New Jersey that have resulted in violence, detentions, and family separations, it is understandable that even activity outside our borders can quickly create fear and uncertainty. Let me be clear: the safety, dignity, and constitutional rights of every Bloomfield resident are my top priority. Bloomfield remains a Fair and Welcoming Community, and our police do not participate in federal immigration enforcement, consistent with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive.”

Mundell continued:

“I have been in direct contact with the governor’s office to coordinate on the recently announced tools and protections that they are developing to support transparency and accountability around federal immigration enforcement. I’m also in communication with other mayors and local officials to work towards developing a regional response coordination strategy. As we continue to monitor developments and remain in communication with regional leaders, it is important that residents have access to accurate information and reliable support. We have compiled trusted legal and know-your-rights resources, and made them available [online here] … I urge you to rely on official state, county, and township communications for verified information. Most importantly, continue to look out for one another.”

“Bloomfield is your home,” Mundell concluded. “We will continue to stand by every resident, regardless of immigration status, and to lead with humanity, clarity and resolve.”

The mayor’s statement saw a range of reactions on social media. As seen online:

• “Thank you for keeping us informed and for recognizing the fear and uncertainty many in our community are feeling.”
• “Great work ICE … keep us safe.”
• “Thank you for providing this important information.”
• “Political grandstanding. You have no authority to do anything. Let them do their job and stop the BS.”
• “I think Bloomfield is one of the best diverse towns in northern NJ.”

President Donald Trump has claimed that a nationwide crackdown is needed to push back against a “large-scale invasion” of illegal immigration. On the first day of his second term, the White House announced a sweeping wave of presidential actions and executive orders.

“Over the last four years, the United States has endured a large-scale invasion at an unprecedented level,” Trump said. “Millions of illegal aliens from nations and regions all around the world successfully entered the United States where they are now residing.”

“This cannot stand,” the president added.

Other lawmakers have disagreed, including U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who recently called Delaney Hall in Newark – the first federal immigration detention center opened under Trump’s second term – a “moral stain” on the nation.

• Related: NJ Congressional Dems Back Effort To Ban Private Prison Contracts With ICE
• Related: 'ICE Out Of NJ': Essex County Protesters Rally In Solidarity With Minneapolis

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