The community is reeling from a wave of surprise raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out amidst a severe cold wave, these operations have expanded from specific locations to major thoroughfares, paralyzing the local community.
Surprise immigration enforcement operations have taken place in Palisades Park for three consecutive days. According to local media and residents, ICE agents focused their raids on the Broad Avenue commercial district every morning from January 21 to January 23.
Strategic Raids on Main Streets Turn Everyday Spaces into Enforcement Zones
- Key Locations: A major operation took place around 10:00 AM on January 22 near the intersection of Broad Avenue and East Brinkerhoff Avenue. Additional arrests followed on January 23 in the Columbia Avenue area.
- Tactics: Agents have largely employed stakeout tactics in locations such as the ShopRite parking lot or along main roads. Residents report difficulty identifying officials as they often use unmarked trucks or civilian vehicles for these surprise actions.
Korean Community on Edge: “Fear of Collateral Impact”
- Arrest Targets: While the majority of those detained in the Pal Park raids so far are reportedly of Hispanic descent, a recent case in nearby Morristown—where a Korean father and son were arrested in front of their home—has fueled a sense of crisis that Koreans are not safe from enforcement.
- Economic Impact: As news of the raids spread, Korean restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses have seen a sharp decline in customers. Owners expressed distress, noting that “both employees and customers are afraid to come out for fear of being spotted by agents.”
Political and State Response
- Federal Action: On January 28, Congressman Josh Gottheimer held a press conference in Palisades Park to announce the “ICE Standards Act.” The proposed legislation aims to curb indiscriminate enforcement by mandating body cameras for agents and requiring transparent identification.
- State Protection: Governor Phil Murphy recently signed the “Safe Zones” bill, which restricts ICE access to sensitive locations like schools and hospitals. However, these state-level protections have struggled to counter the aggressive stance of federal authorities.
Expert Advice: “Asserting Rights is Key”
Immigrant advocacy groups are urging residents not to open their doors if agents attempt to enter a residence without a warrant. They also advise exercising the right to remain silent and requesting legal counsel upon arrest. Experts emphasized the importance of not signing any voluntary departure documents without professional advice.
With ICE raids expected to continue despite the freezing temperatures, tensions within the Palisades Park Korean community are likely to persist for the foreseeable future.
