First-Time Protester in Camden County Speaks Out After Video of Children Fleeing ICE Draws Widespread Attention

A Camden County homeowner who had never attended a demonstration became the subject of a viral moment that is sweeping New Jersey. On February 13, Haddonfield resident Joseph Zobel joined a protest after Lindenwold elementary school pupils fled their bus stop after witnessing ICE officers.

After a TikTok video of Zobel crying at the protest went viral, a local community meeting became global news. The 45-second film showed his reaction to fourth- and fifth-graders fleeing “our own government.”

Children were spotted racing back toward their apartment complex, shouting “ICE” when cops were purportedly present, the day before the demonstration. Around 300 individuals supported Lindenwold’s Latino community, organizers said. The calm demonstration saw individuals standing in solidarity while passing drivers shouted.

Zobel stated he has no public movement plans. Sports and daily life are his main interests, he said. He stated he felt obliged to intervene after hearing about the children’s bus stop reaction. After talking to his fiancée, he retrieved an American flag from his front yard before the protest. He attended his first demonstration.

Zobel expresses serious concern regarding community reports in the widely shared video. He never wanted local youngsters to be terrified again. He added that Camden County, New Jersey, and the nation should promote family unity and safety. Community harmony was his message, not political divide.

Zobel is a Camden County school guidance counselor and a Haddonfield Kings Road Brewing Company bartender. He stated it was emotional but meaningful. He said he might attend future protests if they brought people together.

Community members planned a protest before the bus stop event. Later, organizers reported that as video of the children running went online, additional residents joined.

The situation occurred during nationwide immigration enforcement. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a Department of Homeland Security agency, enforces immigration law. Official federal government channels provide ICE activities and enforcement policies.

State politicians in New Jersey have addressed federal immigration policies. Immigration enforcement concerns were addressed by Governor Mikie Sherrill’s executive measures this month. Official state announcements include a link for locals to post images and videos of ICE agents and a ban on federal immigration authorities visiting non-public state land without a warrant.

New Jersey towns are discussing immigration policy, local safety, and the balance between federal enforcement and community trust, as shown by the Camden County demonstration. Many attendees, including Zobel, cared about frightened children and families, not politics.

As the video circulates online, the story shows how a local moment can go global. It also shows how those who have never protested might feel inspired to speak out when they sense their community has been damaged.

The Lindenwold events have inspired Camden County conversations about unity, civic engagement, and neighbors supporting each other during difficult times. Immigration policy issues continue at the federal and state levels.

Zobel keeps the experience personal. He simply wanted to support his neighbors and promote positive change in his neighborhood.