Federal Immigration Agents Detain Multiple Individuals in Morristown, Including Local High School Senior
Federal immigration officers detained one high school senior and up to ten others in Morristown, New Jersey, Sunday. A Speedwell Avenue laundromat on Henry Street and nearby communities was raided and numerous people arrested.
Mayor Tim Dougherty says an Elizabeth ICE facility detains a Morristown High School senior. Due to their age, the mayor did not identify the student. The locations of the other convicts are unknown.
Mayor Dougherty said the city was unaware of the federal enforcement action and did not comply. Social media footage shows agents escorting people from the laundry and nearby. The mayor noted the town’s law enforcement respects the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits ICE civil immigration enforcement.
“This operation is deeply concerning for our community,” Mayor Dougherty said. He said Morristown’s immigrant history could frighten families that fund schools, businesses, and communities. The mayor reaffirmed that the city supports immigration and will fight for fairness, decency, and respect.
The mayor’s office said the operation focused on washing while others were close. Some were arrested inside, others outside. Local officials worry about community trust and safety as ICE cracks down in New Jersey and nationwide.
This episode illustrates the fragile interaction between federal and local immigration enforcement. ICE is legal, but many localities, including Morristown, limit civil immigration to protect people and build trust with immigrant communities. Town leaders say supporting immigrants is vital to the business and society.
Sources:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Office of the Mayor, Morristown, New Jersey
