Red Bank leaders outline resources and police policy as ICE activity continues in town

Mayor William Portman paused regular council business to give residents information and immediate resources after multiple reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Red Bank.

"I'm speaking about the immigration and ICE raids and everything that's going on in Red Bank right now," Portman said, and he announced a hotline operated by the American Friends Service Committee for people detained by ICE: 973-474-9861. He also urged residents to attend an AFSC informational call on Feb. 17 and to support businesses in affected neighborhoods that had seen declines in foot traffic.

Adriana, head of Recreation and Human Services, described steps the borough has taken to help affected residents: expanded bilingual communications, business outreach in the Shrewsbury Avenue and train-station corridor, plans to repeat a power-of-attorney clinic, and use of after-hours senior-center programming to host services for Spanish-speaking residents.

Police Chief Frzy addressed concerns about whether local officers assist federal immigration authorities. "We do not ... participate in any ICE activity," he said, adding the department follows the Attorney General's Immigrant Trust Directive and conducts yearly training to remain compliant. "They usually just show up," the chief said of federal agents, describing a lack of routine notification to local police.

Residents and council members asked whether local officers could observe federal actions to provide oversight and professional assessment. The chief and council members said the Trust Directive and related policy counsel against local officials appearing to participate with federal civil immigration enforcement because that can chill cooperation between immigrants and local law enforcement on criminal matters. At the same time, some speakers said professional observation would help document conduct and reassure the community.

Katie, speaking about community training, noted that the recently passed Safe Communities Act and local nonprofit training add protections for sensitive locations such as schools, health centers and food pantries. "AFSC did train over 300 nonprofits in our area in the last year on what to do if ICE shows up in their location," she said.

The briefing closed with practical guidance: the AFSC hotline number for legal assistance (973-474-9861), an invitation to the Feb. 17 all-call for residents, and a continuing commitment from the borough to expand bilingual outreach and partner services for those directly affected. Chief Frzy said he will keep the council and public informed where possible, but confirmed that federal agencies do not always notify local officials in advance.

The council then returned to the regular agenda. No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting.