Rumors About ICE Raid At Church In Bergen County Caused 'Hysteria', Police Say

WESTWOOD, NJ — Police in one Bergen County town are investigating the source of rumors that immigration agents planned to raid local church, saying the lies caused "hysteria" in their town.

The Westwood Police Department said in a message Friday that the rumors were a "misinformation campaign that was aimed at creating a level of hysteria in our community."

Police said that the person or people behind the rumors claimed that local police contacted a church in town to warn them that "immigration raids" would take place on Friday the 13th.

"This misinformation spread like wildfire," police said, "and led to an unnecessary level of hysteria in our community. The religious institution was not responsible for sending the messaging that was put out publicly. The Police Department did not contact the church and pass that alleged information along."

The police referred to an Immigrant Trust Directive issued by the state of New Jersey in 2018 and revised in 2019 in an effort to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and the police. It limits what police can do to assist federal immigration authorities, leaving enforcement to the latter. Information is here.

"Federal law enforcement operations do not fall under the purview of local law enforcement," the police said. "Local law enforcement may or may not be aware of federal operations. Local law enforcement will not comment publicly about federal law enforcement investigations, arrests or operations, as it would be entirely inappropriate."

Increase In Deportations?

The rumors spread days before the administration of President Donald Trump has said there should be an increase in deportations, particularly in cities including New York City, according to international and local media reports on Monday. He made the comments on Truth Social, the BBC said.

Besides the federal government's crackdown on illegal immigrants, the government has detained people who were in this country legally with a Green Card or other documents — some by accident, reports said. Others were making their way through the process to become legal. READ MORE: Son of New Jersey Restaurant Owner Faces Deportation

Ask Before Believing

Police reminded residents to question rumors and things they see on the internet.

"Although tensions may be high around the world or locally, remember to assess, scrutinize and evaluate information you receive before hitting the send button to share it," they said in the message.

They added, "If you question the veracity of information that you received, contact the police department to assist and guide you. Please make sure to 'Take care before you share!!' "

Police said residents with information about the source of the rumors could contact Detective Joseph Pavone at jpavone@westwoodnj.gov or call the Westwood Police Department at 201-664-7000.

Local Residents Respond To Rumors

Residents on social media encouraged others to be careful about spreading rumors.

"Hopefully, the identity of the individual who made these false statements and shared them will be made public, and that they are held accountable for the lies they spread," said one commenter.

"My social media rule if thumb is that…if it sounds like a crazy thing that is designed to play on people’s reactions to elicit an extreme response….it’s surely B/S," wrote a woman. "If you can keep that in mind and not get caught up, or engage, the real truth filters out in short order. ... Don’t bite folks. Take a breath and let calm heads prevail."

Another person wrote, "We have a lovely community. I wouldn't want hysteria to invade it."