NJ Transit Abides By ICE Ban From Property, Officials Say

New Jersey Transit officials have committed to abide by a recent order from Governor Mikie Sherrill that bans federal immigration agents from operating on state-controlled property without a judicial warrant.

During the NJ Transit Board meeting on Wednesday night, several residents spoke during the public comment section of the meeting, expressing their concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on public transportation.

The concerns come weeks after two people were arrested by ICE near the light rail elevator in Jersey City Heights, seemingly without judicial warrants. Hoboken Mayor said that she’s spoken to several witnesses who’ve said they’ve seen people being taken by agents in and around the train station.

Related: 'Don't Need A Warrant, Bro': Hoboken, Jersey City Officials Address ICE Arrests

“Given Governor Sherrill’s executive order signed today, I am making our ask very clear: New Jersey Transit must make it clear that NJ Transit buses and vehicles are private spaces that require a judicial warrant to enter,” said one concerned resident. “Every day in Hudson County and Bergen County, I'm watching my community be kidnapped and terrorized… I ask that you take this executive order seriously and implement training for your staff.”

“I know what it feels like to look over your shoulder on a train platform or bus, wondering if today is the day your life gets torn apart,” added another speaker, who said he was undocumented for 11 years before gaining citizenship. “Public transit should not be a place of intimidation. It should be a place of safety… I urge you to adopt this judicial warrant requirement and ensure mandatory employee training so that transit remains public, safe, and welcoming.”

Members of the board made comments saying that the safety of New Jersey riders remains the utmost priority, and promised to look into potential precautions to keep riders safe.

“We are in unprecedented times, and I do think we should do everything in our power to protect our riders,” said Vice Chair Kiabi D. Carson. “What that looks like, I can’t tell you, but I would ask the agency to look into it and see what we can do to protect our riders during this time.”

Carson’s sentiments were echoed by Board Member Shanti Narra.

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri spoke much more directly, saying, “We will follow the executive order, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Specifics on what rider protection policy changes, if any, NJ Transit will make were not discussed.