Residents urge Hunterdon County commissioners to adopt NAACP resolution opposing ICE raids

Dozens of residents urged the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners to adopt a resolution from the Hunterdon County chapter of the NAACP asking the county to refuse use of local resources to assist federal immigration enforcement and to recommit to protecting constitutional rights.

Guy Citron, chairman of the political action committee for the Hunterdon County NAACP, told commissioners that on 01/23/2025 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, often referred to as ICE, conducted raids that included detentions in New Jersey. Citron said, "Now, therefore, we pray that it be resolved that the 110 board of county commissioners recommit to defend the constitutional rights for which many have fought and died. We also pray that the board pledges to not use county resources in promoting or assisting federal authorities in the execution of unlawful and unconstitutional practices that may harm citizens." He said the proposed resolution was handed to county staff before the meeting.

Speakers at the public-comment period framed the request as both a legal and humanitarian step. Susie Mott, identifying herself as a lifelong resident of Rayhurst, urged the commissioners to "consider and pass this resolution." Kate Deluca, a resident of Reddington Township, cited federal action affecting temporary protected status for Venezuelans and said the public reaction in her town underscored the need for local leadership.

Several commenters described practical consequences for families. Heather Disgully, who identified herself as a new local business owner, said she and her husband had canceled travel while his green-card application is pending and added, "No human is illegal." Student speakers and teachers said ICE activity has left some students and families afraid to attend school or seek services. Tiger Boyle, a student at North Hunterdon High School, said removing people "from our community is to take away our opportunity to learn and grow with them together." Other speakers raised concerns about detentions without warrants and the risk of U.S. citizens being detained if they cannot immediately prove citizenship.

Multiple commenters referenced the Fourth Amendment and broader constitutional protections. The public speakers asked the board to adopt language forbidding use of county funds, staff, facilities or data to support immigration raids and to affirm that county resources will not be used to assist federal enforcement in ways that residents view as unlawful.

The transcript of the meeting does not record a vote by the commissioners on the NAACP resolution during the session. Public speakers said the resolution text had been handed to a county staff member identified in the meeting as Andrew and asked the board to consider it at a future agenda.

The public-comment period drew repeated appeals from veterans, longtime residents, nonprofit leaders and students who described fear among immigrant families, economic contributions from immigrant residents and the duty of local officials to uphold constitutional protections. Speakers also appealed to commissioners’ civic and moral responsibilities. The meeting included a large turnout for the public-comment period and frequent requests that commissioners act on the low-bar request to require federal agents to follow federal law when operating in the county.

No formal motion or vote on the resolution is recorded in the meeting transcript provided.