New Jersey residents rattled by multiple sightings of ICE agents
PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) – New Jersey officials are trying to quell the fears of residents following multiple ICE agent sightings in the state ever since President Donald Trump took office.
Trump signed executive orders last week that would allow ICE to detain migrants at locations deemed “sensitive,” like hospitals or schools. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh told PIX11 News that he’s “genuinely concerned” about the federal agent spotting.
“There is panic in Paterson, they’ve heard what’s happened in places like Newark,” he said.
Sayegh plans to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. to address the ICE activity in Paterson.
ICE announced that it took 956 people into custody alone on Sunday, the highest number of daily arrests since Jan. 23 – when immigration enforcement began. ICE agents have also been seen in Union City and Newark, where a Puerto Rican U.S. military veteran was among those detained at a seafood store.
An ICE spokesperson released a statement about agents being seen in Newark:
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations.”
Sayegh told PIX11 News that Paterson is a welcoming city and his office is planning to do outreach to reassure residents.
"Quite frankly, it has to be an appropriate procedure," he said. "If they have a warrant, we understand. If not, people should know their rights."