In a recent immigration raid, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens in Newark, New Jersey. Mayor Ras Baraka condemned the operation, claiming it was conducted without warrants, and accused ICE of “terrorizing” the community.
A Veteran Detained in the Raid
Mayor Baraka highlighted the case of a U.S. military veteran, who was allegedly subjected to the “indignity” of having his military documentation questioned by ICE agents during the raid. Baraka expressed outrage, emphasizing the violation of the veteran’s rights. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) responded by stating that he had reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for clarification on the incident.
ICE Raids Expected Amid Immigration Crackdown
The raid comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crackdown on illegal immigration. As part of his immigration policy, former President Trump vowed to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, with ICE raids being a key tool in this initiative.
Raid at Ocean Food Depot
The ICE operation targeted the Ocean Food Depot restaurant in Newark, where Luis Janota, the restaurant’s owner, reported that around a dozen immigration agents detained three individuals after receiving a complaint. Janota questioned the agents about the documentation they were looking for, and they reportedly asked for licenses or passports.
Janota expressed concerns over the selective nature of the raid, noting that the agents did not ask for documentation from American workers, Portuguese workers, or white workers. He speculated that the agents may have been specifically targeting certain individuals.
ICE’s Response
In response to the criticism, an ICE spokesperson confirmed that the agency may encounter U.S. citizens during field operations and may request identification to verify their identity. However, the spokesperson stated that the raid was part of an ongoing investigation and declined to provide further details due to ICE policy.
The Scope of the Raids
ICE announced on social media that 538 people were arrested during the raid, with 373 detained. However, the agency did not disclose the locations of these arrests. The raids have created widespread uncertainty, leading to growing fear among immigrants and advocacy groups across the country.
Growing Outrage and Legal Concerns
Mayor Baraka strongly condemned the raid, accusing ICE of violating the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. He vowed that Newark would not “stand by idly” while residents are “unlawfully terrorized.”
In the wake of the incident, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), who represents the Newark district, expressed her concerns and stated that her office had contacted the Department of Homeland Security to get answers. She further emphasized that the attacks on immigrant communities, as part of Trump’s policies, were deeply impacting local residents.
“I’m committed to ensuring this doesn’t happen again,” McIver said. “We will not back down.”
Nationwide Fear of More Raids
The raid in Newark has fueled fear across the nation as immigrant communities brace for more ICE operations. Advocacy groups have been working to inform residents about their rights in the face of increasing immigration enforcement, with many calling for greater protection for vulnerable communities.
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