MORRISTOWN, NJ – U.S. Senator Cory Booker is condemning federal immigration agents after what he called a “terrible breach of this community” during a recent ICE operation in North Jersey that resulted in several arrests and left at least one child stranded after her father was detained. Speaking outside St. Margaret of Scotland Church on Speedwell Avenue, Booker joined Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty and Pastor Duberney Villamizar in decrying the January immigration sweep.
Booker said the enforcement action endangered local families and harmed small businesses. “We are now dealing with ICE out of control,” Booker told supporters. “They’re hurting our local businesses, undermining our way of life, and violating our common sense of decency.”
According to community members at the press conference, immigration officers detained several residents during early morning operations, including parents in front of their children. One witness described a scene in which a young girl was left alone after her father was taken into custody, calling the experience “horrible for her to see.”
The senator pledged to oppose any additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security or new detention centers in New Jersey, vowing to fight for stronger accountability and oversight of federal immigration enforcement. “When you put a child in danger by taking away their parent with no concern or process for protecting that child,” Booker said, “you are guilty of putting a child in danger.”
Booker added that ICE’s actions were “making communities less safe” by spreading fear among immigrant families and driving customers away from neighborhood businesses. He also criticized the existence of local detention facilities, claiming some were operating without proper certification or in violation of local ordinances.
Key Points: Cory Booker blasts ICE after North Jersey migrant sweep leaves families in turmoil – Morristown
- Senator Cory Booker condemned an ICE operation in Morristown that he says endangered children and families
- Local leaders joined Booker in calling for an end to new detention facilities in New Jersey
- The senator accused ICE of undermining safety, community trust, and small businesses across the state