At Least 2 Detained By ICE Worked For Hoboken Businesses, Mayor Says

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — At least two people arrested by ICE agents on Sunday near the Hoboken/Jersey City border were employees of Hoboken businesses, said the mayor of Hoboken.

Mayor Emily Jabbour said on Sunday night, at a meeting for concerned citizens, that she was unsure how many people had been detained. But she said, "We know at least two of the people who were detained worked for local Hoboken businesses, because I've heard from the business owners. They are terrified for the people they care about."

"Make sure we're all looking out for each other," she said. "That's what Hoboken is all about. We look out for our neighbors in this town."

ICE was spotted Sunday morning near an elevator that runs up and down the Palisade cliffs between Hoboken and Jersey City.

Earlier Reporting

After video and photos surfaced on Sunday of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arresting a man near the light rail elevator in Jersey City Heights — next to the border with Hoboken — officials confirmed the reports and gave advice.

Ravi Bhalla, an assemblyman representing Hoboken and much of Jersey City, said in a message to residents on Sunday, "I have received reports of ICE conducting operations in Hoboken and Jersey City in the Heights and have viewed a video of a brave woman recording an interaction with a civilian.

"We urge all residents to remain vigilant, lawfully record any incidents with ICE, and to stay home if needed. We will continue to share updates and relevant information as it becomes available. Please stay safe."

Jersey Mayor James Solomon and Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour both confirmed that ICE was in the area Sunday, with Jabbour saying she talked to witnesses.

Solomon said, in a statement sent to Patch on Sunday afternoon, “We have confirmed reports that federal immigration enforcement agents are operating in Jersey City and surrounding areas today. I want to be direct with our residents: you have rights, and this city will defend them."

Local and state officials, including New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, have encouraged residents to report sightings of ICE in New Jersey. READ MORE: Sherrill Encourages New Jerseyans To Track ICE Through Portal

Videos Making Rounds

A three-minute video making the rounds on social media Sunday appears to show a federal agent making an arrest next to the light rail elevator in Jersey City's Heights neighborhood, up the hill from Hoboken. The man making the arrest is wearing a uniform that says Police/Federal Agent.

As a woman records of the arrest, the agent says he'll arrest her too if she gets too close. She responds, "I am allowed to film."

"You can film, but don't get close," he responds.

As the agent is leaving with the man he arrested, he tells the woman, "Go get a job," to which she responds, "I'm on my way to work."

The video shows the agent taking the man into a black van that appears to have no license plate in front and an indecipherable plate in back.

Assemblyman Bhalla encouraged residents who see ICE to call the Spirit of Liberation hotline at 201-616-2816.

Mayors Issue Statements

Jersey City Mayor Solomon sent this statement to Patch saying, in part:

"To our immigrant neighbors: You do not have to open your door without a warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to a lawyer. Do not sign anything you do not understand.

"Last week, I signed an Executive Order strengthening Jersey City’s protections for exactly these moments. Our police officers will not assist federal immigration enforcement without a valid judicial warrant. No city-owned property will be used as a staging ground for raids. That’s the law in Jersey City.

"More than 40 percent of Jersey City residents were born in another country. You should not be not a target—you are our neighbors. You built this city. You belong here. Jersey City is America’s Golden Door. We will fight to keep it open.”

Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour wrote on Sunday:

Councilman Jake Ephros, who represents the section of Jersey City shown in the above video, posted his own video later on Sunday in which he asks a group of agents for warrants as they cross the border from Jersey City to Hoboken. (READ MONDAY UPDATE: 'Don't Need A Warrant,' ICE Tells Councilman)

Several cities with immigrant protections in place, including Hoboken and Jersey City, are being sued by the federal government. READ MORE: Trump Administration Says It Will Sue 4 NJ Cities

Recent Media Reports

Groups like the ACLU have said recently that the New Jersey government needs to more to protect local immigrant communities. Over the past month, New Jersey news outlets have reported that ICE arrested a Morris County teenager, who was later released, and also nabbed a father who was watching over his 6-year-old daughter, who cried, "Where's Papi?"

Elsewhere in the country, national media reported that ICE mistakenly forced a U.S. citizen from his home in his underwear, emitted tear gas that stopped a baby from breathing, and shot two U.S. citizens to death. READ MORE: Judge Refuses To Halt ICE Operation In MN As Lawsuit Proceeds

PRIOR REPORTING: Hudson County Says They'll Fight For More Immigrant Protections