Key Takeaways
• Jorge Aquino, synagogue custodian, was detained by ICE during asylum interview in Newark on June 16, 2025.
• Aquino remains in custody without charges or paperwork; community and Mayor Morieko demand his release.
• Detentions during interviews reflect stricter 2025 Trump administration policies amid conflict over NJ detention laws.
A longtime synagogue custodian in New Jersey has become the focus of a growing immigration controversy after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine asylum interview. The case has sparked strong reactions from local officials, faith leaders, and immigrant advocates, raising urgent questions about due process, federal enforcement priorities, and the impact on tight-knit communities.
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
On June 16, 2025, Jorge Tomas Dagar Aquino, a custodian and maintenance supervisor at the Glen Rock Jewish Center in Glen Rock, New Jersey, was detained by ICE officers. The arrest took place at the Newark Asylum Office, right in the middle of an official interview about his asylum application. Aquino, who is originally from Ecuador and has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 20 years, was taken into custody in front of his attorney. According to Glen Rock Mayor Kristine Morieko, ICE did not show Aquino any paperwork, did not inform him of any charges, and gave no explanation for the arrest. As of July 1, 2025, Aquino remains in ICE custody, with no official updates on his release.
This sudden detention has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and the broader community, who see it as a violation of basic rights and a troubling example of aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration’s current policies.
Community Outrage and Official Responses
The reaction from Glen Rock’s leadership was swift and strong. Mayor Kristine Morieko publicly condemned the detention, calling it unjust and urging residents to support Aquino. She described the arrest as a “direct violation of due process and without cause,” highlighting the lack of transparency and the absence of any formal charges or explanation.
Mayor Morieko also stressed Aquino’s deep roots in the community. He has worked at the Glen Rock Jewish Center since 2013 and became a full-time employee in 2020. Over the years, he has become an important part of the synagogue’s daily life, known for his dedication and positive attitude.
To show support, the mayor’s office and local advocates asked community members to write hand-signed letters on Aquino’s behalf. These letters were collected at the synagogue and could also be scanned and emailed. The goal was to create public pressure on ICE and demonstrate the community’s support for Aquino’s release.
The Glen Rock Jewish Center itself declined to comment on the details of the case, explaining that speaking publicly could hurt Aquino’s chances in his ongoing immigration proceedings.
ICE Enforcement and Policy Context in 2025
Aquino’s detention comes at a time when federal immigration enforcement has become much stricter. The Trump administration, now in its current term, has increased mass arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants. This includes high-profile raids and detentions, even of people with no criminal records and strong community ties.
New Jersey has seen a sharp rise in ICE activity. One major controversy is the reopening of private detention centers like Delaney Hall in Newark. This move goes against state laws, such as AB5207, which bans private immigration detention contracts. Despite the law and ongoing legal battles, federal authorities have pushed forward with expanding detention capacity in the state.
Legal experts and advocates have raised serious concerns about these actions. They point to repeated violations of due process, a lack of transparency, and the targeting of individuals like Aquino who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years and have become valued members of their communities.
How Detention During Immigration Proceedings Works
For people like Aquino, being detained during an official immigration interview is especially harsh. Normally, an asylum interview is a scheduled meeting where someone explains why they need protection in the United States 🇺🇸. It is supposed to be a safe space to tell their story and seek legal status.
However, under current enforcement practices, ICE can detain people during these interviews without warning. This means:
- No prior notice: Detainees are often not told in advance that they will be arrested.
- No formal charges: Many are not shown paperwork or told what they are accused of.
- Immediate transfer: People are quickly moved to ICE custody, making it hard for families and lawyers to keep track of them.
- Legal complications: Being detained can make it much harder to fight an immigration case, especially if the person is moved to a faraway detention center.
Community support and legal help are very important in these situations, but they do not guarantee release or fair treatment.
Impact on Religious and Community Institutions
Aquino’s case is not unique. Across the country, synagogues, churches, and other houses of worship are finding themselves at the center of immigration enforcement debates. Faith leaders and congregations have stepped up to support staff and members who are caught up in ICE actions.
National Jewish organizations have even joined lawsuits to try to block ICE raids at houses of worship. However, recent court decisions have mostly sided with federal authorities, making it harder for religious institutions to protect their members from detention.
For the Glen Rock Jewish Center, the detention of their custodian has been a shock. It has forced the community to confront the reality that even long-serving, trusted employees can be taken away without warning.
Legal and Political Background
The legal landscape in New Jersey is complicated. The state has more than 2 million immigrants and has tried to limit federal immigration enforcement through laws like AB5207, which bans private detention centers. However, the federal government has challenged these laws in court and continued to expand detention operations.
This conflict between state and federal authorities has created confusion and fear among immigrant communities. Many people worry that even if they follow the rules and try to regularize their status, they could still be detained or deported.
Due Process and Human Rights Concerns
One of the biggest issues in Aquino’s case is the question of due process. Due process means that everyone has the right to fair treatment under the law, including being told why they are being arrested and having a chance to defend themselves.
In this case, Mayor Morieko and legal advocates say that ICE violated Aquino’s rights by not showing him any paperwork or explaining the reason for his detention. This lack of transparency has raised alarms among civil rights groups, who argue that such actions go against both the U.S. Constitution and international human rights standards.
Immigration attorneys warn that detaining people during scheduled interviews undermines trust in the asylum process. If people believe they could be arrested simply for showing up to an interview, they may be too afraid to seek legal protection, even if they have a strong case.
Broader Implications for Immigrants and Communities
Aquino’s detention is part of a larger trend under the Trump administration’s 2025 immigration agenda. The focus has shifted to rapid detention and deportation, even for people with no criminal records and strong community ties.
For immigrants in New Jersey and across the United States 🇺🇸, this means:
- Increased risk: Even those with long histories in the country and no criminal background can be detained.
- Family disruption: Detention often separates families, causing emotional and financial hardship.
- Community fear: Aggressive enforcement creates a climate of fear, making people less likely to seek help or report crimes.
- Legal uncertainty: Ongoing legal battles over state sanctuary laws and detention centers add to the confusion.
Faith and community leaders stress the human cost of these policies. They point out that people like Aquino are not just statistics—they are neighbors, friends, and valued members of their communities.
What Happens Next?
As of July 1, 2025, Jorge Tomas Dagar Aquino’s case is still pending. His legal team and supporters are working to secure his release, but there have been no official updates from ICE or the Glen Rock Jewish Center.
The outcome of his case will likely depend on several factors:
- Legal advocacy: Strong legal representation is essential, but the process can be slow and unpredictable.
- Public pressure: Community support, including letters and media attention, can sometimes influence decisions.
- Judicial intervention: In some cases, judges can order a detainee’s release if rights have been violated.
At the same time, the broader fight over New Jersey’s AB5207 law and the use of private detention centers continues. The results of these legal battles will have a big impact on how immigration enforcement works in the state going forward.
How to Support and Find Help
For those who want to support Aquino or others in similar situations, there are several steps to take:
- Write letters of support: As requested by Mayor Morieko, community members can write hand-signed letters and deliver them to the Glen Rock Jewish Center or email them to [email protected].
- Contact officials: Reaching out to local representatives and the mayor’s office can help keep attention on the case.
- Seek legal help: Organizations like the ACLU of New Jersey and Detention Watch Network offer resources and support for immigrants facing detention.
- Stay informed: Following updates from official sources, such as the ICE Newark Field Office, can provide the latest information on detainee status and legal proceedings.
Official Resources
- Glen Rock Jewish Center: For letters or questions, email [email protected] or visit the synagogue.
- Mayor Kristine Morieko’s Office: Contact the Glen Rock municipal offices for statements or updates.
- ICE Newark Field Office: For information on detainee status or legal proceedings.
- Legal Assistance: Groups like the ACLU of New Jersey and Detention Watch Network can help with legal questions and advocacy.
Analysis and Broader Lessons
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like Aquino’s highlight the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local community values. The use of aggressive tactics, such as detaining people during scheduled interviews, has drawn criticism from legal experts, faith leaders, and public officials. These actions not only disrupt lives but also erode trust in the immigration system.
The conflict over private detention centers and state sanctuary laws shows how divided the country remains on immigration policy. While some states try to protect immigrants and limit federal enforcement, the federal government continues to push for stricter controls.
For immigrants, the message is clear: even those with deep roots and strong community support are not immune from detention. This reality makes it more important than ever for individuals and communities to stay informed, seek legal help, and support each other.
Practical Takeaways
- Know your rights: Anyone facing immigration proceedings should understand their legal rights and seek qualified legal help.
- Build community support: Letters, advocacy, and public attention can make a difference, even if they do not guarantee a positive outcome.
- Stay updated: Immigration policies and enforcement practices can change quickly. Regularly check official government sources for the latest information.
- Get involved: Supporting local organizations and staying engaged with community efforts can help protect vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
The detention of Jorge Tomas Dagar Aquino, a synagogue custodian in New Jersey, is more than just one person’s story. It reflects the broader challenges and uncertainties facing immigrants under current U.S. policies. With strong community support, ongoing legal advocacy, and public attention, there is hope for a fair outcome. However, the case also serves as a warning about the risks and realities of today’s immigration enforcement landscape. For immigrants, families, and communities, staying informed and connected remains the best way to face these challenges together.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining individuals.
Asylum Interview → Scheduled meeting where applicants explain their need for protection and seek legal status in the U.S.
Due Process → Legal right ensuring fair treatment and protection of individual rights under the law.
AB5207 → New Jersey state law banning private immigration detention contracts to limit federal enforcement impact.
Detention Center → Facility where individuals are held while their immigration status or removal proceedings are processed.
This Article in a Nutshell
Jorge Aquino, a longtime synagogue custodian, was unexpectedly detained by ICE during his asylum interview in 2025, shocking local community and raising vital concerns over due process rights and immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration in New Jersey.
— By VisaVerge.com
