Ice Raid Report At Bridgewater Faith Center Investigated

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Police are addressing a rumor circulating on social media claiming U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an enforcement operation at a local religious facility within the Township.

"We have determined that no ICE operation occurred in Bridgewater Township at any religious facility," said Police Chief John Mitzak on Wednesday.

Mitzak said the information being shared came from a social media post that has since been identified as "an AI-generated fabrication designed to cause confusion, and public alarm."

"At this time, there is no evidence to support the claim that any federal immigration enforcement activity took place at the location referenced online," said Mitzak.

If any ICE enforcement operations are conducted within the Township, Mitzak said that ICE leadership will notify the Bridgewater Township Police Department.

Mitzak reiterated that, "There was no ICE operation at any local religious facility. The rumor circulating online is false. There is no public safety threat related to this matter."

Residents are being asked to verify information before sharing it online.

"If you did not personally witness an event, please do not repost or distribute unverified information. The rapid spread of misinformation can create unnecessary fear and disruption within our community," said Mitzak.

Residents with any concerns, questions, or who believe they have credible information regarding any public safety matter, are urged to contact the Bridgewater Township Police Department immediately.

Nearby, a shooting related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations was reported in a Morris County suburb on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, ICE was conducting an operation in Roxbury to apprehend Jesus Fabian Lopez-Banegas, a Honduran national, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson. Read More: Morris County ICE Shooting: What We Know

The DHS says that Lopez-Banegas was wanted for drug trafficking charges, drug possession, and driving under the influence, adding that a judge ordered him to be removed from the country in 2021.

During the arrest, Lopez-Banegas attempted to evade agents and rammed into a law enforcement vehicle before trying to run over an agent with his own, DHS officials said.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.