'They Handcuffed Her Outside Preschool': Feds Arrest Bergen County Mom Outside Day Care

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A woman was arrested by federal agents after dropping off her child at a Bergen County preschool on Tuesday morning, police said.

The woman was arrested in Little Ferry by agents from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, said Police Chief James Walters.

Walters said that despite rumors suggesting the arrest might have been by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, this was not the case.

Walters said he spent much of Tuesday trying to confirm what had happened after rumors spread around the borough.

He said his department was not informed in advance of the arrest.

"She dropped her child off," he told Patch by phone on Wednesday. "They handcuffed her outside the preschool. There's video of it. It's out there. I would have appreciated a courtesy call."

He said he could not give our more details of the arrest, but was told that DSS may issue a press release later about it.

Walters said that he sent a message to residents (below) once he understood more about what had happened, to "let people know we're aware of the situation."

He said that ICE officials assured him that they would call if they were conducting an operation in town.

According to the Department of State, the Diplomatic Security Service is the Department of State's law enforcement arm. They protect Department of State Officials and diplomats and investigate passport and visa fraud.

Patch has reached out to the State Department for comment, and will update this story when one is received.

Teachers 'Shaken'

Walters said he spoke with teachers at the preschool, Early Learners, on Tuesday.

"Obviously, they were shaken up," he said.

To his knowledge, he said, the child was picked up later by the father.

The chief wrote on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon: "Earlier this morning, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) conducted a law enforcement operation within the Borough. This resulted in the detention of an individual by federal agents. Please be advised that the Little Ferry Police Department was not involved in this operation.

"Federal agencies operate under their own jurisdiction and authority. The Little Ferry Police Department remains committed to transparency, public safety, and serving all members of our community with professionalism and respect."