Rumor Of ICE Agents In Morristown Not True, Mayor Says

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A rumor that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were spotted around Morristown is false, officials say.

Tensions have risen since President Donald Trump took office last month, with ICE agents launching raids and enforcement campaigns across the U.S., and throughout New Jersey.

Rumors of ICE sightings surfaced across Morristown following a "targeted enforcement operation" in New Jersey's largest city last week, which included several arrests and questioning individuals at a seafood distributor in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood.

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty took to social media to ease residents' fears, assuring them that there have been no reports of ICE agents in town.

"It's reached the Governor's Office, the congressional office; they are all calling to make sure our town is safe. I did talk to the Morristown Police Department, and there have been no reports of ICE in Morristown," Dougherty said.

Last week, the Trump administration announced it was expanding the use of “expedited removal” authority, allowing enforcement agencies to deport individuals without requiring them to appear before an immigration judge.

The administration also lifted longtime rules restricting immigration enforcement near schools, hospitals, and churches.

Last Wednesday, new guidance was released by New Jersey education officials advising schools to do their best to protect their immigrant students, while also adhering to state and federal law.

An estimated 733,000 school-aged children are in the U.S. illegally, including 31,000 in New Jersey, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Many others are U.S. citizens but have undocumented parents.

Read More: If ICE Comes To School: NJ Issues Guidelines For Educators, Staff

Schools are not required to share information about students' attendance or location without consulting the superintendent or district legal counsel.

Under state and federal regulations, all local school districts in New Jersey must enroll students regardless of their immigration status. The Department of Education also encourages districts to establish support systems for students and families.

"Just be careful, stay focused, and we will keep you informed if anything is going on. We will work together," Dougherty added.