Elizabeth community advocates against proposed ICE detention center during city council meeting

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders meeting on June 23, 2025, featured passionate discussions surrounding human rights, immigration issues, and the potential repurposing of a local building. Community members expressed deep concerns about the implications of a proposed ICE detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Paula Bornstein, a director of the Elizabeth Arts Council, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of community and the arts, urging the board to take a stand for democracy and human rights. She highlighted the current climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly for immigrants, drawing from her family's history as Holocaust survivors. Bornstein called for the county to affirm its commitment to human rights and support for the arts.

Betsy Fabricant, a resident and representative of the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, voiced frustration over the lack of communication from the board regarding the potential sale of the jail. She urged the Freeholders to engage with the community and discuss affordable housing solutions, expressing a desire for transparency in decision-making.

Several speakers shared personal stories of families affected by immigration enforcement, illustrating the emotional toll and fear surrounding ICE actions. Adam McGovern from the Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center warned against the dangers of establishing a detention center in the community, citing recent violent incidents related to immigration enforcement.

The meeting underscored a growing sentiment among residents against the proposed facility, with many calling for the board to reconsider its plans. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for dialogue between the Freeholders and the community, particularly regarding issues of human rights and the treatment of immigrants.

As the meeting concluded, the board faced mounting pressure to address these concerns and clarify its position on the proposed detention facility, signaling a pivotal moment for Union County's approach to immigration and community welfare.