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Hackensack officials say recent ICE actions were targeted; reiterate residents’ rights
Summary
City leaders said recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Hackensack were targeted administrative arrests, not broad raids, and reminded residents of rights and the local immigrant-trust directive. The city said local police did not assist in executing administrative warrants.
The Hackensack City Council on Jan. 6 read a statement addressing recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city, saying the events were targeted administrative arrests rather than broad raids or sweeps.
The council’s statement said the actions “were not broad raids or sweeps. Rather, they were targeted arrests conducted by federal authorities.” It added that because those actions were administrative and not criminal, they did not involve the local judicial system or incarceration, and that the Hackensack Police Department had not aided in executing administrative warrants. The statement referenced the New Jersey attorney general’s immigrant trust directive and urged residents to know their rights; it reminded people that they have the right to remain silent and that federal agents generally require a judicial warrant to enter a private residence without consent.
The mayor and council commended Chief Antista, City Manager Freeman, and the Hackensack Police Department for following legal protocols and for their professionalism. Councilman Diaz delivered the message in Spanish as well.
Why it matters: public concern over federal immigration activity prompted the council to publicly clarify that local police did not participate in administrative warrant activity and to remind residents of basic rights when approached by federal agents. The statement aims to reduce community anxiety and emphasize local trust directives and procedures.
What to expect: the council said it will continue to provide updates as appropriate and encouraged residents to remain calm and to know their legal rights when interacting with federal agents.
