Video Of ICE And Crying Children Spurs Response From Mayor In North Jersey

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — After a video went viral this week of children trying to prevent a man from being taken away by immigration agents in Harrison, the mayor and council responded.

The video shows a man forced into a car by ICE agents as a woman holding a baby, and a little boy, try to pull him back. A girl is shown crying as well.

NJ101.5 reported that the video also shows a teenager being thrown to the ground.

The mayor of the Hudson County town, James A. Fife, and his council released a statement on Thursday saying, "In light of yesterday's incident on Harrison Avenue, where ICE agents reportedly stopped a white SUV and removed a male occupant while children and others looked on in visible distress, the mayor and council of the town of Harrison wish to express our deep concern."

Their statement read, "While we are still seeking a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding this incident, it is heartbreaking to hear of children witnessing such a frightening and potentially traumatic experience in their own community. Our immediate concern is the emotional well-being of the children involved. We respectfully have asked the Harrison Public School District to identify and provide appropriate counseling, emotional support, and other necessary services to any affected students."

They added, "Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and cared for, particularly during moments of uncertainty and distress. As a community, we must come together to ensure that these children receive the compassion and assistance they need. The mayor and council remain committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all Harrison residents."

A number of public officials have criticized ICE for conducting operations near schools and in front of children, and for largely arresting people with no criminal record, with some Republican lawmakers saying the effort has gone too far.

Some commenters responding to Harrison officials' statement said it was the parents' fault for putting the children in that situation, while others said that the operations could be conducted differently. See the post here.

A local non-profit that chronicles ICE arrests in Hudson County has reported increases in enforcement efforts in the area.

Over the summer, Jersey City Mayor Solomon posted a video saying, "ICE says they're going after criminals, but the evidence says otherwise."

A recent New York Times study showed that most detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark don't have criminal records.

In July, a group 0f New Jersey lawmakers sent a letter to the federal government about the three immigrant deaths at Delaney Hall in Newark this year.

On Feb. 1 of this year, ICE agents detained 10 people in Jersey City, causing controversy. At least one arrest was made at the Light Rail elevator from Jersey City to Hoboken, an incident videotaped by Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros, in which an agent said, "We don't need a warrant, bro."

The comment famously drew a response from Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who said, ""We still follow the Constitution here in New Jersey, bro."

PRIOR REPORTING: Rise In ICE Arrests Addressed By Jersey City Mayor