‘Possible ICE Activity’ In Bloomfield Area Prompts Statement From Mayor

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield’s mayor issued a statement to the community on Thursday amid “reports of possible ICE activity” in the area.

According to Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell, township officials are “monitoring the situation closely” and consulting with legal experts.

Mundell’s full statement follows below:

“In recent weeks, I’ve heard from many residents expressing concern about reports of possible ICE activity in our area and across the state. I understand that these developments have caused fear and uncertainty, and I want to take a moment to speak directly to our community.

“Let me be absolutely clear: the safety, dignity, and constitutional rights of every Bloomfield resident are—and will remain—my top priorities as Mayor. We are a Fair and Welcoming Community that follows the law, including the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits local involvement in federal immigration enforcement to preserve trust between residents and local government.

“Our police are here to protect public safety—not to enforce immigration law. That distinction is lawful, intentional, and critical. When residents fear that reporting a crime or seeking help could lead to deportation or family separation, our entire community becomes less safe.

“The Township is monitoring the situation closely, consulting with legal experts, and working to ensure that all residents feel safe, informed, and supported. No one in Bloomfield should feel alone or unsure of their rights.

“To help residents navigate this moment, we are posting a list of resources on the Township website: www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/1690/Immigrant-Rights-Resources. These include legal assistance directories, know-your-rights guides, and instructions on what to do if you are approached by immigration officials. I encourage everyone to review and share these materials with your friends and neighbors.

“Finally, I urge our community to stay grounded in facts. Misinformation spreads quickly, especially in moments of fear. Please rely on trusted sources and the Township’s official communications for updates and guidance.

“We will continue to stand by every member of our community with compassion, strength, and resolve. Bloomfield is your home, and as your Mayor, I will always defend your right to live here safely, freely, and without fear.”

FEDERAL LIST OF SANCTUARY CITIES

Bloomfield recently landed on the Trump administration’s new list of sanctuary cities that are allegedly “defying federal immigration law,” although it’s unclear why the township has been cited – and what consequences may follow.

The list also included several other municipalities in Essex County, including East Orange, Maplewood, Montclair, Newark and South Orange.

The list was created as part of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in April.

“These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleged.

“We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law,” Noem added. “Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”

The DHS is now demanding that these jurisdictions “immediately review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws.”

• See Related: Feds Put Bloomfield On 'Sanctuary City' List, Demand Compliance
• See Related: 'Proud Sanctuary City' In Essex County Reports ICE Arrest

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