OPINION: When New Jersey’s City Of Bloomfield Lets ICE Agents Know Their New Law, They Left Property Without Delay
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Mayor Jenny Mundell – Bloomfield, New Jersey’s Post
Editor’s note: This incident highlights the effectiveness of laws that are passed to protect immigrant communities from targeting by ICE agents, similar to the one very recently signed by Governor Hochul of New York. All that has to be done is to point out the new law by a city official, and the agents leave the location where they are not legally allowed to be. Rep. Malliotakis held a press conference with a representative from ICE and DHS to discuss the pitfalls of laws like this. In her statements, she made a list of the terrible criminals ICE has apprehended in New York. Nearly all of them were nonviolent offenders mainly accused of forcibly touching someone, often a minor. But there werw two rapists, three sexual abusers, one murderer, one who attempted murder, along with someone who injured an FBI agent and another who stalked police. Outside of a few, most of them are not considered violent criminals, unworthy of rights or protections. According to Human Rights Watch and the Marshall Project reporting the experiences of lawyers who have been inside, 80% of those detained have no criminal history at all. As Governor Hochul pointed out when signing the bill, not the worst of the worst.
See also our coverage of Dilley Detention Center in Texas where a New York family was sent and the private center at Delaney Hall in Newark where a hunger strike is underway to protest the abhorrent conditions in which young children and their parents are held, sometimes for months, such as 118 days for a one year old from Russia fleeing persecution for their views on the Ukraine War. A child under eighteen can only legally be held for 20 days, according to recent court decisions. Readers may also remember the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, both of which are NOT under investigation by DHS, which many have said demonstrates that their murders by ICE agents were acceptable, and there is no accountability for those actions. Instead, investigators were looking into Renee Good’s wife and for Mr. Pretti, there was an independent investigation by the state, however, there has been no evidence sharing by the Department of Homeland Security’s internal investigation unit and the agents have no liability due to complete qualified immunity granted to federal agents in most cases. Governor Hochul pointed to those incidents, among others, as justification for the new law, which multiple other ‘sanctuary cities’ have also considered or passed similar laws.
Mayor Mundell:
This morning, I was notified that agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were present in the Municipal Plaza parking lot behind town hall.
Upon learning of the situation, Township officials immediately took action to enforce the Township policy adopted by Mayor and Council on March 9, which restricts the use of Township property for immigration enforcement operations. The agents were advised of the Township policy and left the property without delay.
Township of Bloomfield remains committed to upholding the laws and policies adopted by our community. We will continue to enforce this resolution consistently and take appropriate action whenever violations are identified.
Bloomfield is a Fair and Welcoming Community, and we remain dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of all who live, work, and visit here. Residents can be assured that Township officials will continue to monitor compliance and act promptly when concerns are brought to our attention.
We encourage residents to remain informed, rely on verified information, and report any concerns through the appropriate Township channels.
Please call the Bloomfield Police Department with concerns (911 for emergencies and 973-680-4141 for non-emergency issues) and/or report activity if you believe you have witnessed misconduct at: https://www.njoag.gov/portal/
Below, find information about free legal services for those in legal proceedings for their immigration:
NJ Office of New Americans
Services: Provides outreach, education, and resources for immigrant communities, including an asylum guide and free legal services for income-eligible residents facing deportation.
Phone: (732) 572-9100 ext. 8782 for non-detained immigration matters
or 1 (888) 894-0612 for detention-related inquiries.
Local Services, Mutual Aid, and Legal Resources
Bloomfield Human Services
The Division of Human Services serves as the township’s primary hub for outpatient mental health and essential social services. Residents can access professional counseling, crisis intervention, and medication consultation provided by licensed staff. Additionally, the department assists with benefit screenings and provides vital referrals for community programs related to food assistance, housing, utility support, and senior services. This page offers a comprehensive directory of available programs and forms to help residents navigate and secure the social services they need. https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/217/Human-Services
Banner Image: Know Your Rights image. Image Credit – City of Bloomfield
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