Police Not Aware Of ICE Presence In Morristown, Mayor Says

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Amid reports of an ICE arrest outside a Morristown business on Monday night, Mayor Tim Dougherty took to Facebook to address concerns and clarify the situation for the community.

The mayor stated that late Monday night, he received reports of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest outside a local business in Morristown—an action that had not been communicated to the Morristown Police Department or the local government.

"We are still seeking information about that incident," Dougherty said Tuesday evening.

The mayor further explained that the Morristown Police Department, in line with all local and state law enforcement agencies, follows the directives set by the New Jersey State Attorney General's Office on immigration matters, meaning the department does not assist ICE or engage in any immigration enforcement activities.

"I want to be clear to Morristown residents that we value and respect our local immigrant community and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that their rights are respected and that they are treated with dignity and humanity," Dougherty added.

Immigration advocates in North Jersey have been protesting federal immigration policies throughout the Biden administration, but tensions have escalated since President Donald Trump's inauguration in January.

Trump made a campaign promise to initiate a nationwide immigration crackdown, which began last month when the White House unveiled a series of presidential actions and executive orders, several of which directly addressed immigration issues.

"Immigration is a sensitive and politically charged matter, and while I believe that we can all agree that violent criminals do not belong in our community, regardless of their immigration status, we must all stand together to make sure that law-abiding immigrants who are contributing to our society are treated fairly," Dougherty said.

The mayor added that the Morristown administration will closely monitor this situation and work with Hispanic community leaders, church congregations, nonprofits, and other organizations to support the immigrant community.

Advocacy group Make The Road New Jersey has encouraged immigrants to download and print a "Know Your Rights" card to carry with them. The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) also launched a "Know Your Rights" outreach campaign, with trainings across the state.

People who are arrested and detained have legal rights under the Constitution, even if they entered the country illegally — including the right to due process and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The NJ Department of Education recently added a page to its website with suggested protocols for schools, if an ICE agent seeks to come onto school grounds or access district records.

"Be assured that we are monitoring the situation, and when we get information, you will get information," Dougherty added.