North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco and Commissioner Hugo Cabrera are denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining a mother and her two children yesterday afternoon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“North Bergen is a diverse, hardworking, and tight-knit community,” Sacco began in a statement.
“We will continue to stand by our families and advocate for the protection and dignity of all our residents, regardless of background, and ensure that people know their rights and have the legal resources they need to stand up against these kinds of aggressive tactics by federal immigration officers.”
The video (embedded above), posted on Instagram by activist Kevin Ortega-Rojas, shows federal agents, some in tactical vests and face coverings, interacting with individuals on a residential street while young children look on.
Local residents and onlookers expressed immediate concern for the psychological well-being of the youth involved since the incident took place near a school.
Cabrera emphasized that while immigration law falls under federal jurisdiction, the methods employed on local streets have a direct, negative impact on the peace and security of municipal residents.
“I am deeply shaken and outraged by the unlawful, wrong and traumatic tactics displayed in this video. To execute an enforcement action in broad daylight, on our township streets, in front of crying and terrified children, is completely unacceptable,” he declared.
“It’s also troubling to see these federal officers wearing masks, which is in direct violation of a law passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Sherrill. This does not reflect the values of the North Bergen community.”
The North Bergen Police Department does not offer any cooperation or assistance to ICE personnel and the township has worked hard to ensure that residents are aware of their rights by taking direct action including sending out mailers to thousands of households with critical information, sponsoring free legal help events and more.
Further, the board of commissioners also unanimously passed an ordinance banning ICE from using municipal property for its operations in February, as HCV first reported.
Sacco has also worked with local clergy to sponsor residents seeking to become legal U.S. citizens.
“Our primary responsibility as local leaders is to ensure that every resident—especially our children—feels safe in their neighborhood,” Cabrera continued.
“The trauma inflicted on young children witnessing a parent or caregiver being detained is profound and lasting. We must demand a higher standard of humanity and discretion from federal agencies operating within our borders.”
Township officials are currently reviewing the details of the incident and remain committed to supporting local families affected by these actions.