Why Was Mom Handcuffed Outside Bergen County Day Care? Feds Respond

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — After a Little Ferry woman was arrested by federal agents outside of her child's day care on Tuesday morning, the federal government indicated to Patch that the arrest was related to immigration. READ MORE: Feds Handcuff Woman At Bergen County Day Care

The woman was arrested by agents from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service outside Early Learners preschool on Tuesday, Police Chief James Walters said Wednesday.

Many people witnessed the arrest, which took place right the woman dropped off her child — causing some concerns.

"She dropped her child off," Walters told Patch by phone on Wednesday. "They handcuffed her outside the preschool. There's video of it. It's out there." He expressed frustration that his department was not informed in advance of the arrest.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for the federal government told Patch that the DSS was supporting a "Title 8 enforcement operation" on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security.

The person did not elaborate, and referred all other questions to the Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to Patch by press time.

Title 8 pertains to immigration laws and the penalties for violating them.

Walters said that at first, rumors around town suggested the arrest was by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, but this was not the case. 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.

Teachers 'Shaken'

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

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

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."

This story will be updated if more information is received.