Republicans, Democrats Find Common Ground At ICE Forum In Millburn [WATCH]

MILLBURN, NJ — While the national controversy surrounding ICE can often be fiery and bombastic, Democrats and Republicans recently found some common ground at a community panel discussion in Millburn.

The Millburn Immigration Information Group joined with local Republican and Democratic committees to hold a virtual workshop about immigration enforcement and ICE last week.

Watch video footage from the panel here, or view it below.

The guest list included speakers from both parties: New Jersey Sens. Jon Bramnick and John McKeon. Other panel members included Hans Byer, a retired Millburn Police Department officer who was speaking in a personal capacity, and two immigration attorneys: Priscila Abraham of the American Friends Service Committee and Vera Su of the NYIS Law Firm.

Organizers said the event came together after recent ICE activity in Millburn.

• Related: ICE Makes Arrest Near Millburn Train Station, Official Says

The initiative began with a conversation between Jean Pasternak, chair of the Millburn Township Republican County Committee, and her neighbor, Jorge Mastropietro, a Democrat. The conversation then evolved into a bipartisan group including Cheryl Desmarais, chair of the Millburn–Short Hills Democratic Committee. The effort got a boost from Millburn Mayor Frank Saccomandi as well.

Despite representing different political parties, each expressed a shared commitment to respectful civic dialogue, organizers said.

The discussion was moderated by Millburn resident and volunteer Jane Shan, who said the goal was “to share information, offer practical perspectives, and help everyone better understand what’s happening locally and what resources are available.”

Organizers provided a recap of the different topics discussed at the workshop:

COOPERATING WITH THE FEDS – In the opening segment, Sens. Bramnick and McKeon addressed whether New Jersey municipalities can independently determine cooperation with federal immigration authorities or whether such policy is governed at the state level. Together with Byer, they discussed what role – if any – the Millburn Police Department would play if ICE were active locally, whether advance notification would occur, and what residents should realistically expect from a public safety standpoint.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS – A second segment focused on constitutional rights. Bramnick, who also serves as an attorney, reviewed people’s basic rights if approached by immigration agents at home, work or in public. Su explained what constitutes a valid judicial warrant, when residents are required to open their door, and how to verify the identity of federal agents. McKeon, another attorney, discussed Fourth Amendment distinctions between homes and vehicles.

ADVICE FOR FAMILIES – Abraham offered guidance for mixed-status households on advance planning in the event of detention, and suggested age-appropriate ways parents can speak with children and caregivers without creating fear.

SENSITIVE LOCATIONS, HEALTH CARE – In a segment on health care and sensitive locations, McKeon and Bramnick addressed questions regarding hospitals, schools, houses of worship, and elder care facilities. Abraham outlined what medical screening and access to medications are typically available if an individual enters detention.

ICE ENCOUNTERS – The panel also addressed what residents should — and should not — do if they witness ICE activity, discussing lawful observation, safety considerations, and whether filming in public spaces is permitted.

TRAVEL – In the final segment, Su provided practical guidance for H-1B visa holders and green card holders regarding international travel and heightened scrutiny at ports of entry. She also outlined first steps for individuals who receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court or who are detained, including the importance of contacting qualified immigration counsel.

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