Mayor W. Reed Gusciora Condemns Recent ICE Operations in Trenton, Calls for Community Protection and Support for Immigrant Families

ICE Presence in Trenton Sparks Reassurance From City Hall

November 15, 2024 – 8:00 AM PST

Residents of Trenton’s Bayard Street neighborhood experienced a heightened sense of alert this Morning as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel were observed operating in the area. A gathering of Community Members, understandably anxious about the situation, quickly formed. The Mayor responded swiftly, arriving on the scene alongside representatives from the Trenton Police Department (TPD).

The Mayor emphatically reiterated the City of Trenton’s long-standing dedication to the well-being and protection of every resident, regardless of immigration status. The Trenton Police Department will continue to consistently implement the New jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive. This directive explicitly prohibits TPD officers from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status, engaging in the enforcement of civil immigration laws, or providing assistance to ICE during enforcement operations solely based on someone’s undocumented status.

Maintaining Public Safety, Upholding Rights

According to officials, the Trenton Police Department’s role throughout the Morning was confined to ensuring public safety and preventing any potential for escalation. officers were explicitly instructed to adhere strictly to the Immigrant Trust Directive,and there was no intent to provide direct support to ICE in its immigration enforcement activities.

The Mayor stressed the importance of focusing ICE resources on the apprehension of individuals posing a genuine threat to public safety – those involved in violent crimes. He argued that enforcement efforts shoudl prioritize addressing criminal activity rather than targeting hardworking individuals who are contributing members of the community and supporting their families. The latest data from the Department of Homeland Security reveals a shift in ICE priorities towards focusing on serious criminal offenses.

Acknowledging the legitimate concerns expressed by immigrant community members and supporting advocacy groups,the Mayor emphasized the need for ICE to conduct any enforcement actions within the city limits with full respect for the constitutional and due process rights of all individuals. He has already initiated contact with the Attorney General’s Office to request clear guidance on how Trenton, and other municipalities, can effectively balance the critical needs of public safety with the imperative of safeguarding the rights and dignity of its immigrant residents.

The Mayor affirmed that Trenton is not actively involved in facilitating immigration enforcement operations. The city’s primary focus remains on protecting residents from crime, ensuring neighborhood safety, and fostering a strong foundation of trust within the community. A close watch will be maintained on any further enforcement activity within the city.

Key Stakeholder	Role/Action
ICE	Conducted enforcement activity in Bayard Street neighborhood.
Trenton Mayor	Reassured residents, reaffirmed city’s policies, contacted Attorney general’s Office.
Trenton Police Department	Maintained public safety, adhered to Immigrant Trust Directive.

Understanding the Immigrant Trust Directive

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, established in 2018, is a crucial policy that guides interactions between state and local law enforcement and immigrant communities. It reflects a growing national conversation about the role of local authorities in federal immigration enforcement. Similar directives have been adopted in several other states, including california and Massachusetts, indicating a broader trend towards creating sanctuary policies to protect immigrant residents. Learn more about the directive here.

Did You Know? the concept of “sanctuary cities” is often debated, with varying interpretations of what protections these policies afford to undocumented immigrants.

Pro Tip: If you are concerned about your rights during an encounter with law enforcement, it is always advisable to remain calm and politely request to speak with an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICE Enforcement and Local Policies

1. What is the role of the Trenton Police Department regarding ICE? The TPD is prohibited from directly assisting ICE with immigration enforcement, focusing rather on maintaining public safety.
2. What is the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Directive? Its a policy preventing state and local law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status or assisting in civil immigration enforcement.
3. Where can I find more details about my rights if encountered by ICE? Resources are available through the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and various immigrant advocacy organizations.
4. does Trenton support aiding immigration raids? No, the city’s focus remains on resident safety and community trust, not assisting in immigration raids.
5. What steps is the city taking to balance public safety and immigrant rights? The Mayor has contacted the Attorney General’s Office for guidance on balancing these needs effectively.
6. what should residents do if they witness concerning ICE activity? Residents are encouraged to remain calm and document any interactions, and to contact appropriate legal resources.

What are your thoughts on balancing local policing with federal immigration enforcement? Share your perspective in the comments below!

What specific actions is Mayor Gusciora taking to collaborate with local immigration legal services and advocacy groups?

Recent ICE Activity in Trenton: A Cause for Concern

Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within Trenton, New Jersey, have drawn sharp criticism from Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. The Mayor’s office released a statement on August 21, 2025, strongly condemning the increased ICE presence and its potential to disrupt Trenton’s diverse communities.These operations, focused on immigration enforcement, have sparked fear and anxiety amongst immigrant families and advocates. The specific details of the operations, including the number of individuals detained, are still being compiled, but reports indicate a significant uptick in activity over the past week. Trenton immigration officials are working to gather more information.

Mayor Gusciora’s Response & Commitment to Sanctuary City Principles

Mayor Gusciora reiterated Trenton’s commitment to being a welcoming city for all residents, nonetheless of immigration status. He emphasized the city’s adherence to sanctuary city policies, which limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Key points from the Mayor’s statement include:

Denouncement of Tactics: A direct condemnation of ICE’s tactics, which the Mayor described as “aggressive and destabilizing.”

Reassurance to Residents: A pledge to protect all Trenton residents, ensuring access to city services without fear of reprisal.

Collaboration with Community Organizations: A commitment to working closely with local immigration legal services and advocacy groups to provide support and resources.

Upholding Sanctuary City Status: Reinforcing Trenton’s dedication to its sanctuary city designation and the principles it embodies.

Impact on Trenton’s Immigrant Community

The increased ICE activity is having a tangible impact on Trenton’s immigrant population. Reports indicate:

Increased Fear: Families are hesitant to participate in everyday activities,such as sending children to school or attending community events.

Disrupted Families: The detention of individuals can lead to family separation and significant emotional distress.

Reduced Access to Services: Fear of deportation can deter individuals from seeking essential services, including healthcare and legal assistance.

Economic Strain: The uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement can negatively impact local businesses and the overall economy.

Resources Available for Immigrant Families in Trenton

The City of Trenton, in partnership with local organizations, is providing a range of resources for immigrant families affected by ICE operations. These include:

Legal Assistance: Free or low-cost legal depiction from organizations like Trenton Area Legal Services and American Friends service Committee.

Know Your Rights Workshops: Educational sessions on individuals’ rights during encounters with ICE agents. These workshops cover topics like the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Mental Health Support: Counseling and support services to address the emotional trauma associated with immigration enforcement.

Emergency Preparedness: guidance on creating family emergency plans in case of detention or deportation.

Community support Networks: Connecting families with local support groups and networks.

Where to find help:

Trenton City Hall: Information and referrals to relevant resources. (609-989-3600)

NJ immigrant Hotline: 1-888-99-NJ-HELP (1-888-996-5435)

American Immigration lawyers Association (AILA): https://www.aila.org/ – Find an immigration attorney.

Understanding Sanctuary city Policies in New Jersey

New Jersey has taken steps to protect undocumented immigrants through various policies and legislation. While there isn’t a statewide “sanctuary city” law, several municipalities, including Trenton, have adopted policies limiting cooperation with ICE. These policies typically restrict local law enforcement from:

1. Inquiring about a person’s immigration status during routine interactions.
2. Honoring ICE detainer requests without a judicial warrant.
3. Sharing information with ICE that isn’t publicly available.

These policies aim to build trust between law enforcement and the immigrant community, encouraging reporting of crimes without fear of deportation. Immigration law is complex and constantly evolving.

the Role of Community Advocacy & Future Actions

Local advocacy groups are playing a crucial role in supporting *imm