Watson Coleman Writes To Ice, Asks Details On Surprise Princeton Raid

PRINCETON, NJ – Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) has sent a letter to officials from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Newark Field Office, asking for information on the Suprise raid in Princeton last week.

Last week, federal agents entered the community in unmarked vehicles and reportedly approached Hispanic/Latinx residents and demanded identification as they were going about their day.

ICE officials confirmed they conducted “targeted enforcement” seeking two people and took one into custody. They also noted that officers were prevented from apprehending the second person by “outside parties."

In her letter to Daniel A. Bible, the Executive Associate Director of ICE in Newark, Watson Coleman expressed her deepest concern regarding the conduct of agents during the operation.

“In addition to the conduct of the agents themselves, I have serious questions as to the process that preceded this operation, and the transparency of the federal agencies involved,” Watson Coleman wrote.

“What took place on July 10th cultivated a culture of fear and distrust and must be corrected. ERO must make protocol clear and available to all in New Jersey while doing their part to build the trust needed in the community.”

In the letter, Watson Coleman seeks answers to several questions relating to the raid and the events leading up to it, including:

• “What is the standard operating procedure for ICE when agents are dispatched into a community?

• “What is the notification process prior to a raid and is there a chain of command on the ground that includes local, county, or state officials?

• “Can you confirm that a warrant was issued and served in accordance with the law?

• “Can you confirm that these agents were properly identifiable and following official protocols? If so, why are there reports that their presence caused confusion among residents as to what kind of “police” they were? If not, where was the point of failure?

• “Are agents legally allowed to stop people on the street and ask them for identification?

• “What happened to the individuals who were taken? Are they all considered arrested or detained? What are their official charges? Where are they being held? Have their families been informed?”

On Tuesday, local activists and faith groups launched a campaign in response to the raids.

Immigrant justice leaders demanded a full investigation into ICE operations.

They also called for greater transparency and accountability from ICE and discussed steps the Princeton municipal government should take to protect community members and rebuild trust.

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