Update: ICE Raid In Princeton Ends In 15 Arrests

PRINCETON, NJ — A total of 15 people were taken into custody on Thursday during an immigration enforcement operation in Princeton, Municipal authorities said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents conducted the raid around 6:45 a.m. on Harrison Street, officials said. The exact location of the raid was not mentioned by authorities.

On Thursday afternoon, ICE Field Office Director confirmed to Princeton officials that 15 undocumented people were detained.

Municipal authorities and the Police Department said they had no prior information about their presence or actions. The local police department did not participate in federal immigration enforcement either, officials said.

“We understand that news like this may be alarming, and we want to assure you that we are committed to keeping our community informed,” Municipal officials said.

According to Resistencia en Accion NJ, eight ICE agents, wearing uniforms and operating at least one unmarked civilian vehicle, attempted to detain three people near the intersection of John Street and Leigh Avenue, right by a local grocery store.

Of the three people that the agents randomly approached, two were able to escape, while one was arrested, the advocacy group said.

"This incident was deeply disturbing, and a grim reminder that ICE continues to racially profile and target our community. Now more than ever, Princeton needs real protection. It’s time to stand with our neighbors, not vilify the organizations working to hold this council accountable. Our community deserves protection, not politics," the group said in a statement.

During the Council meeting last week, more than 50 residents spoke up to advocate for a resolution supporting the Immigrant Trust Act (ITA), a state-level proposal that has gained backing from 13 other New Jersey municipalities.

The speakers painted a picture of fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities, describing how ICE enforcement actions have forced families to alter their daily routines and avoid public spaces.

Resistencia en Accion NJ on Thursday called for the Municipality to pass the resolution in support of ITA, saying the resolution was essential to ensure that the municipality is committed to embracing policies that prevent further harm to the immigrant community.

“We will not be silent against these attacks on brown and black bodies, because this administration has used racism to train ICE to racially profile and kidnap people off the streets,” said Ana Paola Pazmino, Executive Director of Resistencia en Acción NJ.

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