'Cause For Concern': Democrats Speak Out After ICE Arrest In Union County

SUMMIT, NJ — The Democratic Party in the City of Summit called Wednesday's arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents part of a larger erosion of trust between federal officers and the American people.

This comes after Police Chief Ryan Peters was notified early Wednesday by the United States Department of Homeland Security that they were acting on a warrant in the City.

At least one person was taken into custody without conflict.

"While no one wants to protect criminals and everyone wants to feel safe...DHS agencies have ignored the foundational legal principle of presumption of innocence and continue to violate the Constitution," Greg Vartan, Chair of the Summit Democrats, said on Thursday.

Summit continues to abide by the New Jersey "Immigrant Trust Directive," established in 2019 to limit the ways that law enforcement on the state, local, and county level voluntarily provide assistance and information to ICE agents.

"Everyone in Summit should feel safe calling the Summit Police for help and contacting our local government for timely, accurate information," Vartan added.

Peters said he and his team were not involved in Wednesday's arrest.

Over the last few weeks, leaders and organizations throughout the City have continued to address the community amidst the continuing nationwide ICE activity.

On Jan. 29, a candlelight vigil was held in solidarity with the victims of activity carried out by agents around the United States.

More than 150 members of the Summit community joined together on Thursday night in "Shining a Light for Justice and Peace." A group of attendees walked from City Hall while singing and carrying candles to St. John's Lutheran Church, where they were met with other attendees, community organization leaders, and clergy.

Earlier in the day, Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, Summit Police Chief Ryan Peters, and Summit Schools Superintendent Scott Hough together released a joint statement regarding the potential impact of federal officers in and around the City.

"All residents should feel comfortable using City services, contacting the Police Department when help is need, and sending their children to school," the statement read.

The message to the community came just days after 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot dead during an altercation with agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This was the second deadly confrontation over just a few weeks in the state, after resident Renee Good was killed while driving her car near a group of agents.

Patch has reached out to ICE for additional details regarding Wednesday's arrest and is yet to hear back.

RELATED COVERAGE:

1. Gov. Sherrill Takes Action To Restrict ICE Operations In NJ
2. NJ To Track ICE Activity Through Citizen Portal, Sherrill Says
3. Morris County ICE Shooting: What We Know

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