TRENTON, NJ — Residents of the Bayard Street neighborhood awoke in alarm early Friday morning to the sight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducting operations, prompting a crowd of worried community members and a swift response from local officials.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora arrived on the scene alongside members of the Trenton Police Department (TPD) to address public concern and issue a clear message: Trenton police do not collaborate with ICE in enforcing federal immigration law. Gusciora reaffirmed that TPD follows the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which bars local law enforcement from assisting in immigration enforcement unless public safety is directly at risk.
According to the mayor’s statement, officers at the scene were instructed only to ensure public order and prevent escalation, with no cooperation or assistance extended to federal agents. Gusciora emphasized that ICE resources should target violent offenders, not individuals working to support their families.
The operation sparked immediate concern among local immigrant families and advocacy groups. The mayor acknowledged these fears and reiterated the city’s stance on constitutional rights and the need to protect all residents regardless of immigration status.
Gusciora called ICE raids “unnecessary” and claimed they damage community trust, especially in cities like Trenton where immigrant families make up a vital part of the population. The city, he said, remains committed to being a “trusting environment for all” and will continue opposing what he called the “bad guy” approach of indiscriminate enforcement actions.
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Key Points
- ICE activity in Trenton’s Bayard Street area triggered community concern Friday morning
- Mayor Gusciora reaffirmed that Trenton police do not assist in federal immigration enforcement
- The city pledged continued support for immigrant communities and constitutional protections
A pre-dawn ICE operation in Trenton draws backlash and a public vow from the mayor to keep local police out of immigration enforcement.