Mercer County Prosecutor To Review Trenton Arrest Of Immigrant Rights Activist

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office will conduct a full review of the arrest of a member of an immigrant advocacy organization, after a police interaction that occurred while the person was monitoring federal immigration officers, the Trenton Police Department said in a statement Friday.

According to the department, officers became aware of the incident after video was posted online showing the woman from Resistencia en Acción, sounding her vehicle's horn for approximately 19 minutes while following immigration officers, which she said in the video was intended to alert the community to their presence.

"Trenton Police officers encountered the scene while patrolling their assigned district," the department said, adding that officers' attention was initially drawn to a vehicle that was illegally parked and obstructing traffic.

Officers asked the individual to move the vehicle, which she did before driving ahead of the officers, according to the department. The officers returned to their patrol vehicle and continued down the same street.

While traveling behind the vehicle, officers said they observed the driver commit multiple motor vehicle violations, including failing to stop at several posted stop signs. "Based on those observed violations, officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop to address the violations and prevent further conduct that could pose a risk to the driver, other motorists, and pedestrians," the department said.

The department said the driver did not initially stop after officers activated their emergency lights and siren. The vehicle was eventually stopped, and the driver was arrested and charged with eluding police.

"The Trenton Police Department did not coordinate with ICE in connection with this incident or the arrest," the department said in its statement. Given the circumstances and public concern surrounding the case, the matter has been referred to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office for a full review, according to the department.

The department said its officers receive roll-call and state-mandated training on New Jersey's Immigrant Trust Directive and applicable state law, and that it adheres to those requirements as well as a recently adopted city ordinance reflecting state law.

Trenton City Council passed an ordinance in June codifying the Immigrant Trust Act and limiting local police cooperation with ICE, according to previous Patch reporting. Trenton was also among 18 New Jersey municipalities the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated a "sanctuary jurisdiction" in 2025.

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