Fugitive wanted in Turkey arrested by ICE in quiet New Jersey neighborhood
Jackson Township, NJ – A targeted ICE operation last week in Jackson Township has been revealed, and today, ICE officials told Shore News Network exactly what happened.
A Turkish national wanted for theft by deception overseas was tracked down by federal agents into a residential neighborhood in Jackson Township, where he was taken into custody late last week.
The incident happened as Jackson Township’s council announced the community will participate with ICE officials and reject Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state policies.
On Aug. 27, officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark arrested Mustafa Tolun, who is wanted in Türkiye on criminal charges. He was located in what neighbors described as a quiet part of town before being transported into federal custody.
That same day, the Jackson Township council voted unanimously to reject New Jersey’s sanctuary state status.
“Every day the brave men and women of ICE are conducting routine immigration enforcement operations throughout New Jersey,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement. “This illegal alien thought he could hide here – he can’t. There is no safe haven for foreign fugitives in America.”
Tolun remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Officials confirmed the arrest with a photo posted on ICE ERO Newark’s official X account.
Federal officials said the case reflects the administration’s broader push to target individuals accused of serious crimes abroad who enter the U.S. unlawfully. ICE and Customs and Border Protection have been directed to prioritize arrests and removals of fugitives, violent offenders, and individuals deemed public safety threats.
