North Bergen Woman Torn From Crying Sons By ICE Agents, Officials Say

UPDATE: 'ICE Does Not Separate Families' Spokesperson Says After NJ Video Controversy

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A father was taken into custody by federal agents Friday leaving two crying sons in their wake in an a video was posted on Instagram.

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North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Township Commissioner Hugo Cabrera said in a release on Saturday that they're "forcefully condemning a recent federal immigration enforcement action carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents within North Bergen." They said the action took place near a school.

"The trauma inflicted on young children witnessing a parent or caregiver being detained is profound and lasting," Cabrera said. " We must demand a higher standard of humanity and discretion from federal agencies operating within our borders."

He also called it "troubling" that the officers wore masks, which is contrary to the law passed by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill in March.

The town has a policy of separating their law enforcement resources from federal civil immigration enforcement, to maintain trust among local residents and officials, said a town spokesman.

The town has sent mailers to homes regarding residents' legal rights and free legal help events.

Sacco has also worked with local clergy members to sponsor residents seeking to go through the legal process to U.S. citizens.

The conservative-leaning Cato institute has cited Justice Department records as showing the majority of people recently detained by federal immigration agents do not have prior criminal records.

North Bergen Township officials are currently reviewing the details of the incident, a spokesperson said.

Patch has reached out to ICE and will update this story if information about the arrest is received.

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