FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2025
Contact: Corey Garriga, Vice President of Communications Latino Action Network
Latino Action Network Condemns ICE Raid in Newark, Demands End to Aggressive Enforcement Tactics in New Jersey
Trenton, NJ – The Latino Action Network strongly denounces the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation that took place on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Ocean Seafood Depot in Newark, NJ. According to local officials and community advocates, heavily armed ICE agents stormed the business without presenting a warrant, blocked entrances and exits, and interrogated employees—including some who are U.S. citizens—for hours.
A Troubling Escalation of Fear and Intimidation
Reports indicate that ICE agents entered through a rear entrance, scrambling up loading ramps and searching bathrooms while detaining multiple individuals. At least one veteran employed at the site was asked to provide a military ID, which was reportedly disregarded during the questioning. Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with agents preventing anyone from leaving.
“These are precisely the kinds of aggressive tactics that spread fear throughout our communities,” said Latino Action Network President Javier Robles. “We stand with the workers and families who were terrorized by this unwarranted show of force and join those who are calling for transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional protections.”
A Clear Violation of Constitutional Rights
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, local officials, and numerous immigrant advocacy organizations have condemned ICE’s actions, asserting that agents conducted the raid in violation of both the Fourth Amendment (protection against unreasonable searches and seizures) and the Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection under the law). The Latino Action Network echoes these concerns.
“No one is above the law—including ICE. We fully support Mayor Baraka’s statement that these actions represent an affront to our Constitutional values,” added Christian Estevez, President Emeritus and current member
of the Latino Action Network. “Agencies that disregard legal and ethical boundaries must be held accountable.”
Demanding Legislative Action and Community Protection
The Latino Action Network calls on elected officials at every level of government to pass and enforce legislation that protects immigrant communities from ICE overreach. This includes ensuring legal representation, mandating proper warrants for enforcement actions, and safeguarding the rights of anyone—citizen or not—who interacts with federal immigration authorities.
“We commend the elected officials, including Mayor Baraka, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim. As well as U.S. Representatives LaMonica McIver and Bonnie Watson Coleman, who have publicly opposed ICE’s aggressive tactics,” said Javier Robles. “Our immigration system is broken and needs comprehensive reform—using fear tactics only deepens that dysfunction.”
Standing in Solidarity and Taking Action
The Latino Action Network stands in solidarity with all individuals targeted during the raid, including those who are U.S. citizens wrongly detained and questioned. We urge community members to remain vigilant, to report questionable enforcement actions, and to seek legal advice if ICE targets them or their loved ones
We call on:
1 New Jersey’s Legislature to immediately advance protections for immigrant communities.
2 Local Officials and Law Enforcement to refuse collaboration with ICE on unconstitutional raids.
3 New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation to investigate ICE’s actions and to advocate for meaningful national immigration reform.
“New Jersey is proud of its diversity, and we will not allow fearmongering to undermine our shared values. The Latino Action Network stands resolutely against these intimidation tactics and will work diligently alongside allies to end ICE’s overreach in our communities,” said Javier Robles, Latino Action Network President.
Want to do more? Become a member of the Latino Action Network at https://lan.nationbuilder.com/lan_membership
About the Latino Action Network
The Latino Action Network (LAN) is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of Latinos in New Jersey and across the United States. LAN advocates for policies and practices that promote social, economic, and racial justice, standing up against discrimination and promoting the well-being and rights of Latino communities.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Javier Robles, President
Cory Garriga, Vice President of Communications
Latino Action Network
Phone: (732) 887-8722; (908) 346-3825
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: latinoactionnetwork.org