ICE Detains Over a Dozen Workers En Route to Princeton Jobs

Before sunrise on July 24, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained 15 individuals in Princeton, New Jersey, as they headed to work at a local landscaping company. This early morning operation, which took place on Harrison Street, has sent shockwaves through the Princeton community and highlights the growing reach of federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration’s latest policies.

A High-Profile ICE Operation in Princeton

At about 6:45 a.m., a white van carrying ICE agents intercepted a work van filled with employees on their way to a landscaping job. All 15 individuals inside were detained. According to ICE’s field office director, every person taken into custody was reportedly undocumented. The operation was carried out without any prior notification to local authorities, including the Municipality of Princeton and the Princeton Police Department. Local officials only learned about the detentions later in the day, after ICE reached out to confirm the details.

Princeton Mayor Mark Freda quickly confirmed the incident, emphasizing that neither the municipality nor the police had any involvement or advance warning. “We were not notified, nor did we participate in this operation,” Mayor Freda stated, echoing the concerns of many local residents who were caught off guard by the sudden enforcement action.

Immediate Impact on Families and the Community

The 15 individuals detained by ICE were not just workers—they were parents, spouses, and primary breadwinners for their families. Many had been working multiple jobs to support their loved ones. After the raid, family members found themselves in a state of panic, unable to find out where their relatives had been taken or what would happen next. Some waited days before receiving any information about their loved ones’ whereabouts.

Local advocacy groups, including Resistencia en Acción NJ, quickly mobilized to provide legal and financial support to the affected families. Ana Paola Pazmiño, the group’s executive director, described the fear and confusion gripping the community: “People are afraid to go to work, to take their kids to school, or even to seek medical care. The uncertainty is overwhelming.”

A Broader Shift in Federal Immigration Policy

This raid in Princeton is not an isolated event. It is part of a much larger national trend that began in early 2025, when the Trump administration issued new executive orders revoking previous limits on ICE raids in so-called “sensitive areas” and prioritizing mass deportations. These policy changes have led to a sharp increase in workplace raids and public detentions across the United States 🇺🇸.

ICE field offices in New Jersey now face strict quotas, with a minimum of 75 arrests expected daily. Nationally, the goal is at least 1,200 arrests per day. This push for higher numbers is backed by a massive funding increase: the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” passed in 2025 allocated $170.7 billion for immigration enforcement, including $30 billion specifically for ICE operations and $45 billion for expanding detention centers.

Military involvement has also grown. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst would be used to hold immigrant detainees, signaling a new level of cooperation between the Department of Defense and ICE.

Community and Political Response

The Princeton raid has sparked outrage and fear among local residents, especially within the immigrant community. Advocacy groups and local leaders have organized protests and vigils, with more than three dozen residents urging the Princeton Council to support the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act—a proposed state law that would limit local cooperation with ICE and provide privacy protections for immigrants.

State Senator Andrew Zwicker condemned the raid, calling it a “grotesque abuse of power” and highlighting the essential role immigrants play in New Jersey’s communities. “These are our neighbors, our friends, and the backbone of many local businesses,” Zwicker said. “We cannot allow this kind of fear and disruption to continue.”

Ana Paola Pazmiño and Paulo Almiron, media coordinator for Resistencia en Acción NJ, have been at the forefront of efforts to support the families affected by the raid. They are also lobbying for policy changes at both the local and state levels, arguing that privacy protections and due process are urgently needed to prevent further harm.

Procedural Details: What Happens After a Raid

After being detained, the 15 individuals from Princeton were transported to the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility for processing. This is standard procedure for ICE operations in New Jersey. However, families often face long delays—sometimes several days—before they can find out where their loved ones have been taken.

Unlike in criminal cases, immigrants detained by ICE do not have the right to a public defender. They can request a list of local attorneys or free legal service providers, but many families lack the resources to secure legal help. This leaves them at a significant disadvantage, especially when facing the risk of immediate deportation without a full legal review.

The ICE Online Detainee Locator System, available at ice.gov, is one tool families can use to try to locate detained relatives. However, the system is not always updated in real time, and language barriers or lack of internet access can make it difficult for some families to use.

Wider Effects on the Community

The impact of the ICE raid extends far beyond the 15 individuals detained. Many immigrants in Princeton and surrounding areas now fear going to work, sending their children to school, or even seeking medical care. This climate of fear has led to a drop in attendance at local schools and businesses, as people worry about being targeted in future raids.

According to Erik Cruz Morales of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, the new enforcement quotas are likely to result in more wrongful arrests and further erode trust in government. “When people are afraid to report crimes or seek help, everyone in the community suffers,” Morales warned.

Local advocacy groups stress the need for privacy protections and due process, pointing out that the risk of immediate deportations without legal review is higher than ever. They also highlight the emotional and financial toll on families left without income or support.

A Surge in Protests and Advocacy

The Princeton raid is part of a broader escalation in immigration enforcement across New Jersey. Earlier in July, a similar raid in Edison led to the detention of 20 individuals. Academic and policy analysts have noted a sharp rise in immigration-related protests in 2025, with 27% of all reported demonstrations in New Jersey linked to immigration issues—up from just 3% in 2024.

Community mobilization has grown in response. Local and statewide advocacy groups are calling for legislative action, increased support for immigrant families, and greater transparency from federal agencies. The New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, which would limit local cooperation with ICE, is currently pending in the state legislature and has gained support from both local governments and advocacy organizations.

Policy Reversals and the National Context

The Trump administration’s approach marks a clear reversal from the policies of President Obama and early President Biden, both of whom placed limits on workplace raids and protected sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. The new policies have removed these protections, making it easier for ICE to conduct raids in public places and workplaces.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this shift has led to increased fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, as well as a surge in legal challenges and mutual aid efforts. Many advocates worry that the current approach will have long-lasting effects on community trust and public safety.

Looking Ahead: Legislative and Community Solutions

With ICE operations expected to continue at high intensity, many in New Jersey are looking to state and local governments for protection. The New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act is seen as a critical step in providing privacy protections and limiting the role of local authorities in federal immigration enforcement.

Advocacy groups are also working to expand access to legal aid and support services for immigrant families. Organizations like Resistencia en Acción NJ and the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice offer referrals for legal assistance and help families navigate the complex detention and deportation process.

For those seeking information about detained loved ones, the ICE Online Detainee Locator System remains the primary official resource. Families can also contact local advocacy groups for help with legal representation and support.

Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance

• 15 individuals were detained by ICE in Princeton, NJ, on July 24, 2025, in a workplace raid targeting a landscaping company.
• The operation was conducted without local notification, leaving families and the community scrambling for information and support.
• The raid reflects a broader escalation in federal immigration enforcement under new Trump administration policies, with increased quotas, funding, and military involvement.
• Advocacy groups and local officials are mobilizing to support affected families and push for state-level protections, while fear and uncertainty grip immigrant communities across New Jersey.

What Families and Community Members Can Do:

• Check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System: If a loved one has been detained, visit the ICE Detainee Locator to try to find their location.
• Contact Local Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Resistencia en Acción NJ and the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice can provide legal referrals and support.
• Stay Informed: For updates and community alerts, visit the official Municipality of Princeton website.
• Seek Legal Help: While detained immigrants do not have a right to a public defender, they can request a list of local attorneys or free legal service providers. Advocacy groups can help connect families with these resources.
• Participate in Community Efforts: Attend local meetings, protests, or vigils to show support for affected families and advocate for policy changes.

Implications for Princeton and Beyond

The Princeton ICE raid has become a symbol of the broader challenges facing immigrant communities in the United States 🇺🇸 today. As federal enforcement ramps up, local governments, advocacy groups, and residents are grappling with how best to protect their neighbors and maintain a sense of safety and trust.

The outcome of pending legislation like the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act will play a key role in shaping the future of immigration enforcement in the state. In the meantime, families affected by raids like the one in Princeton must rely on community support, legal aid, and the resilience that has long defined immigrant communities in New Jersey.

As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed and connected to local resources will be essential for those at risk and for the broader community seeking to stand in solidarity. For more information on ICE procedures and detainee rights, readers can visit the official ICE website, which offers up-to-date details on enforcement actions and available resources.

The events in Princeton serve as a stark reminder of the real-life impact of immigration policy decisions. As the debate over enforcement and community protection continues, the voices of those most affected—the 15 individuals detained, their families, and the wider immigrant community—remain at the center of the conversation.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
Undocumented → Individuals residing in a country without official immigration authorization or legal residency status.
Detention Facility → A secure center where detained immigrants are held pending processing or deportation.
Executive Orders → Directives issued by the president to manage federal government operations, often affecting immigration policy.
Immigrant Trust Act → Proposed state law to limit local cooperation with ICE and protect immigrant privacy rights.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 24, 2025, ICE conducted a surprise raid in Princeton, NJ, detaining 15 undocumented workers. Families struggled for information as new federal policies demand aggressive immigration enforcement, worsening fear in immigrant communities. Advocacy groups push for privacy protections and legal aid amid growing local and national protests.
— By VisaVerge.com