ICE, Homeland Security Address Morristown Raid

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have commented on the recent raid that took place in Morristown.

On Sunday, 11 people, including one high school student, were rounded up and detained by ICE. Officials said "several" of those arrested had committed felonies, but did not specify how many, or offer specifics on what the alleged felonies were.

It remains unclear exactly what crimes, if any, 18-year-old Morristown High School student Juan Daniel Mendoza was arrested for.

ICE has responded to Patch's inquiries about the raid, issuing a statement from DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:

“On January 11, ICE arrested eleven illegal aliens during routine immigration enforcement actions in Morristown, New Jersey Jan. 11. Several of those with felony offenses. Others took advantage of the Biden administration’s open border crisis. All individuals are currently detained, and either in removal proceedings or in the process of being removed from the United States in accordance with U.S. immigration law. We encourage all illegal aliens to use the CBP Home app to take control of their departure. The U.S. taxpayer is generously offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight home.”

Patch has followed up with ICE on our initial inquiry—a list of all those arrested and on what grounds—but has not received a response at this time.

Since the raid, Morristown officials have condemned ICE's actions, including Mayor Tim Dougherty, who said these operations "create fear and uncertainty for families who contribute every day to our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods."

The mayor has also called upon immigration lawyers in and around the area who are willing to do pro bono work to assist those detained.

Morristown citizens have also condemned the raid, with hundreds taking to the streets near the Hyatt Regency hotel, where ICE agents were rumored to be staying.

It was Tuesday evening when protesters gathered, chanted, and held up signs condemning ICE, supporting immigrants, and memorializing people like Renee Good and Keith Porter.

Additionally, ICE's arrest of Mendoza on Sunday has prompted concerns from parents and school officials.

At the most recent Morris School District Board of Education meeting, a letter signed by more than 300 parents called for heightened security measures and preemptive action if another raid were to occur.

Read More: ‘Fear, Confusion, Distress,’ Morris School Officials Address ICE Raid Concerns