ICE Agents Leave Bloomfield After Town ‘Takes Action,’ Mayor Says

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Federal immigration agents were seen in Bloomfield on Monday morning, but left the area after being told about the township’s new restrictions about ICE and municipal property, Mayor Jenny Mundell said.

According to Mundell, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were present in the Municipal Plaza parking lot behind town hall.

“Upon learning of the situation, township officials immediately took action to enforce the township policy adopted by mayor and council on March 9, which restricts the use of township property for immigration enforcement operations,” Mundell reported.

“The agents were advised of the township policy and left the property without delay,” she added.

>> RELATED: Bloomfield Town Council Greenlights ICE Resolution

Mundell said the township “remains committed to upholding the laws and policies adopted by our community.”

“We will continue to enforce this resolution consistently and take appropriate action whenever violations are identified,” the mayor said.

Mundell added:

“We encourage residents to remain informed, rely on verified information, and report any concerns through the appropriate township channels. Please call the Bloomfield Police Department with concerns (911 for emergencies and 973-680-4141 for non-emergency issues) and/or report activity if you believe you have witnessed misconduct at: https://www.njoag.gov/portal/”

In March, the Bloomfield Town Council passed a resolution that limits when municipal resources can – and can’t – be used to assist federal immigration agencies such as ICE. Several council members said the legislation is a win for Bloomfield, although one said it doesn’t go far enough.

Other residents criticized the move on social media, saying that they welcome the presence of federal immigration officers.

“Let ICE do their job and we all will feel safe – I know I will,” one person commented.

Here are some things that the resolution spells out:

• ARREST WARRANTS REQUIRED – “Under the measure, township property may not be used as a staging location, processing site, or operational base for civil immigration enforcement activities unless there is a valid judicial warrant or court order where required by law, or authorization from the township business administrator in consultation with the township attorney. The resolution also requires outside law enforcement officers seeking access to non-public municipal areas to present official identification, and establishes procedures for documenting such requests.”
• STAFF AND TOWN PROPERTY – “The resolution further clarifies that township personnel, equipment, databases or other municipal resources may not be used to voluntarily assist with civil immigration enforcement activities unless required by federal or state law.”
• SHARING INFO WITH RESIDENTS – “The resolution also directs the township to continue maintaining and updating informational resources to help residents access municipal services and understand their rights, including multilingual materials available through the township website.”

Bloomfield has become a hotbed for debates and protests involving immigration. Over the past year, the town has seen a student walkout, an anti-ICE “Barrio Walk” and a protest over ICE financing, among other rallies.

• Related: Bloomfield Student Walkout: Photos Give An Inside Look At Anti-ICE Protest
• Related: Anti-ICE ‘Barrio Walk’ In Bloomfield Marches Through Business District
• Related: Bloomfield Protest Will Target Bank Over Financing Of ICE Prisons

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