ICE Arrests In Parsippany Prompt Concerns From Residents

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The ICE operation that took place in Parsippany this week was addressed by residents and officials during Tuesday night's council meeting.

On Tuesday morning, a viral video circulated of masked and armed ICE agents arresting at least four people outside of Tierra Encanto and Vape World in Lake Hiawatha.

Patch has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for additional details on the operation and has yet to hear back.

During the council meeting on Tuesday night, residents expressed several concerns over ICE in Parsippany, with many citing the recently passed law that prevents ICE agents from wearing masks in New Jersey. The agents seen in the video were wearing masks.

"It saddens me that this is happening in our town," one resident said. "It really saddens me. Why they're picking on people that are just trying to live a life, earn a buck, you know, live and let live... Isn't what this country used to be about?"

Related: Pro-Immigration, ICE Limitation Resolutions Pass In Parsippany

Mayor Pulkit Desai said that the township had no advanced notice of the federal operations that took place on Tuesday, adding that, to his understanding, they "did targeted enforcement of going after violent criminals."

Desai said roughly ten people were taken into ICE custody during the operations, including landscapers and a restaurant worker who has worked in New Jersey for 20 years. He added that not all of those detained were Parsippany residents.

"My immediate concern as mayor, beyond the politics and arguments surrounding immigration, is make sure we have accurate information, helping families determine where the loved ones have been taken, and making sure our residents know their rights," Desai said. "I encourage everyone to remain calm, know your rights, and look out for your neighbors."

Desai added that he is working to identify those taken so their families can be notified and take the legal steps necessary, moving forward.

"Whatever our views are on immigration policy may be, we can enforce our laws while still remembering that human
beings and families are affected by them," Desai said.