ICE detains over 12 individuals en route to work in Princeton, NJ.

In a significant immigration enforcement operation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained 15 individuals in Princeton, New Jersey, while they were on their way to work. This early morning raid on Thursday was confirmed by local officials, who reported that no prior notice was given to the municipality or law enforcement agencies about the operation.

The Princeton local government, through a social media announcement, highlighted that ICE did not inform them of their activities, indicating that local officials were uninvolved in the operation. In the post, they expressed their commitment to keep the community informed, assuring residents that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

According to reports from Resistance in Action NJ, an advocacy group focused on immigration issues, the enforcement action unfolded around 6:45 a.m. on Harrison Street. The majority of those detained were reportedly on their way to their jobs at a local landscaping company. Family members of the detainees spoke during a news conference organized by the advocacy group, portraying their loved ones as industrious individuals striving for a better life in the United States. Many of them were said to hold multiple jobs, contributing to local businesses and the economy.

Accounts from family members revealed distressing details about the circumstances surrounding the detentions. One relative mentioned that the ICE agents arrived in a white van and at least one detainee’s personal belongings were left abandoned on the roadside after the incident. Another family member discussed the demanding schedules of their friend, who worked during the day in landscaping and then continued working at a local bar until the early hours of the morning.

Minimal additional information about the operation has been released to the public, leaving many questions regarding the specifics of the detentions and potential implications for the affected families. This incident adds to ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement in communities across the United States.

Local reactions suggest an underlying concern about the impact of such enforcement actions on families and workers, raising questions about the balance between immigration law enforcement and community safety and cohesion. As the situation develops, further updates are anticipated from local officials and advocacy groups.

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