ICE Raids Newark Business, Military Veteran Detained: Officials

This article was updated at 11:15 p.m. on Jan. 23. Read the follow-up article to this story here.

NEWARK, NJ — A U.S. military veteran was among those detained during an ICE raid at a Newark business on Thursday, officials said.

According to Mayor Ras Baraka, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local establishment in the city, detaining several people without a warrant.

The people detained included both “undocumented residents” and U.S. citizens. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran, who suffered the “indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned,” Baraka said.

The mayor said Thursday’s raid is an “egregious act in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” which guarantees the right against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The business that was raided wasn’t named in the mayor’s statement.

“Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized,” Baraka said, adding that a press conference with “partners ready and willing to defend and protect civil and human rights” is in the works.

People gave mixed reactions to the raid on the internet. Seen online:

• "U.S. military veteran unlawfully detained in Newark ICE raid. Disgusting violation of Constitutional rights and disrespect for our military."
• "Thank you Newark ICE for arresting criminal illegal migrants today and those who aided in harboring illegal criminals. Newark citizens are for legal immigration. Not illegal immigration. It's unfortunate Newark politicians aren't aligned with their constituents."
• "You just need to step aside and let ICE do their job. A lot of people in Newark voted for this to happen."

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) said her office has reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to get answers about what happened.

McIver, who represents Newark and several other municipalities, questioned how ICE agents were able to enter the businesses premises "without warrant and without justification."

"Already, Trump’s attacks on immigrant communities are hitting home and we will not back down," McIver said.

"I am in contact with Mayor Baraka, and other local and federal officials as more unfolds," she added. "We will always fight for the dignity and rights of everyone in our district and across the country."

McIver's peer in the 12th congressional district also condemned Thursday's raid.

"Today, ICE carried out an unconstitutional raid in Newark, detaining lawful U.S. citizens, including a veteran who served our country, without a warrant," U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman said.

"This is a flagrant violation of New Jersey's laws, our residents' rights and the Constitution," she added.

New Jersey's two U.S. senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, also issued a statement about the raid:

"We are deeply concerned about the news of an ICE raid in Newark today. Our offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to demand answers. Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities — and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics. We will continue to work with Mayor Baraka and other local officials to gather more information to ensure all New Jerseyans are safe and their dignity and rights are protected."

Immigration advocacy group Make the Road New Jersey said the raid is "yet another example of how the Trump administration's anti-immigrant agenda harms everyone."

"No one is safe when armed officers are empowered to raid our homes, our workplaces and our communities," said the group's deputy director, Nedia Morsy.

"Now, more than ever, New Jersey must take all necessary steps to protect all residents, including the more than two million immigrants that call the Garden State home," Morsy said, advocating for a proposed state law: the Immigrant Trust Act.

ICE, TRUMP AND NEWARK

As part of his campaign platform, President Donald Trump vowed to immediately launch a nationwide immigration crackdown, including in sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal agencies.

Several municipalities in New Jersey have declared “sanctuary” status, including the state’s largest city, Newark.

A major immigration sweep took place in North Jersey the week before Trump’s inauguration, with ICE officers from the agency’s Newark field office arresting 33 non-citizens who have committed or been accused of crimes.

ICE officers said they targeted “noncitizens” who had felonies or misdemeanors for domestic violence, sexual abuse or exploitation, burglary, unlawful possession or use of a firearm, drug distribution or trafficking, and driving under the influence. Officers also targeted noncitizens with an executable final order of removal who have re-entered the U.S. illegally after having been previously removed, authorities said.

• See Related: Newark ICE Office Makes 33 Arrests, Deportations Loom

Several immigrant rights groups in New Jersey have been putting up red flags about the impact that mass deportations will have across the state. Read More: Trump Targets Sanctuary Cities, NJ Immigrants Fight Back

The ACLU of New Jersey recently posted a guide offering advice for “What to do if you’re approached by immigration officials in New Jersey,” which can be seen online here.

• See Related: If ICE Comes To School: NJ Issues Guidelines For Educators, Staff

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