Trenton, NJ – The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified enforcement activity across New Jersey this week, with reports of targeted arrests and detentions in multiple communities between January 19 and 24, 2026.
Residents and advocacy groups have reported sightings of ICE agents in several areas, including Palisades Park, Trenton, and throughout Monmouth County — particularly in Red Bank, Freehold, and Long Branch. Additional reports from Morristown and Hackensack suggest that operations have continued following earlier raids in those regions earlier this month.
While there has been reported incidents across New Jersey, the actions appear to be focused on certain cities. In Ocean County, ICE agents have been spotted in Lakewood and Toms River.
Witnesses described agents in unmarked vehicles conducting surveillance and detaining individuals near businesses and residential areas. These actions have prompted a series of “Know Your Rights” events and community meetings organized by local immigrant support groups.
- ICE operations reported in at least five New Jersey counties
- Increased detentions spark protests and legal aid mobilization
- Senator Cory Booker visits Newark detention center, calls for oversight legislation
On January 23, U.S. Senator Cory Booker visited a federal detention facility in Newark, calling for stronger congressional oversight of ICE and labeling recent operations as “out of control.” Meanwhile, several state lawmakers have renewed efforts to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
According to the Deportation Data Project, approximately 5,500 individuals were detained in New Jersey between January and mid-October 2025 — a figure that immigration advocates say underscores the scale of enforcement in the state.
ICE officials have not publicly commented on the recent surge in activity.