New Jersey Zoning Board Member Caught on Camera Threatening to Call ICE on Local Tree Crew
A video of a police reaction in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, shows a local zoning board member threatening to alert federal immigration authorities during a dispute with a tree service team. Police body camera footage from November 5 captured the encounter on a calm suburban street last fall.
The clip shows Old Bridge Township zoning board member Patricia Testaverde confronting tree service workers outside her property. The conversation happened outside her driveway while a crew worked. Local police entered the exchange and began chatting with the parties.
Testaverde told cops in the body camera tape that she had warned the tree firm owner that she would contact ICE about the workers. In her interview with the officers, she said, “I’m gonna call ICE on you for these guys.”
A tense yet controlled conversation is shown in the video. Testaverde stood in her driveway as officers assessed the scene. The tree staff, who had been working nearby before the confrontation, was discussed when the zoning board member communicated her message to the business owner.
Since Testaverde is a municipal zoning board member, the exchange has garnered attention. Township zoning boards regulate land use, property development, and building. These officials must represent the community in planning and development matters with professionalism.
The November 5 body camera footage shows the zoning board member’s encounter with responding police. The video mostly shows what happened when officers arrived and began talking to Testaverde.
Because they are local politicians, incidents involving them often garner more attention. Police body camera footage may become public if local disclosure policies allow it.
Old Bridge Township residents characterized the altercation as unusual because it occurred on a calm neighborhood street. Local police units manage disputes between residents and adjacent workers or contractors.
Body cameras are now essential for police response documentation. These recordings document officer talks and activities at a situation objectively. The film captured Testaverde’s comment about notifying federal immigration authorities.
As the video is debated, it remains a key piece of evidence of what happened between the zoning board member, the tree firm owner, and the responding officers.
The video shows readers and locals how a typical neighborhood quarrel can quickly become a hot topic when a public official is involved and police body camera footage is taken.
Sources
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Old Bridge Township Police Department
Old Bridge Township Zoning Board Records
