Thursday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a warrantless search of a business in Newark, N.J., detaining undocumented residents as well as U.S. citizens. Among those detained was a U.S. military veteran. The incident has sparked justifiable outrage, with the mayor’s office describing the raid as a “plain violation of the Fourth Amendment.” Although it’s Donald Trump‘s first week back, it’s evident his anti-immigration rhetoric is already coming home to roost. Here’s what the mayor and social media have to say about ICE and its actions in New Jersey.
ICE Arrests Veteran and Other U.S. Citizens in N.J.
The Newark raid may not be the most egregious way ICE has ever violated 14th Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. It still sets a dangerous precedent. According to a statement from Mayor Baraka’s office, however, it seems the Trump administration should expect resistance:
Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. I will be holding a press conference in alliance with partners ready and willing to defend and protect civil and human rights. Details to come.
Mayor Baraka is far from the only voice of protest. A video by @gordacorajuda discussing the news garnered over 204k likes and a host of comments denouncing the ICE raid in Newark. “😠This is so scary,” said one commenter. “My bf is Mexican but he’s a US citizen & a military veteran. I’m terrified for him.”
Another commenter seemed concerned about not seeing reports of the Newark raid covered by other sources. “I’ve been checking the news near obsessively and I still missed this.” With the Trump administration already censoring and shutting down websites in its first week, the concern is justified. ICE reported 538 arrests and 373 detainers lodged from its operations on Thursday, showing Trump’s anti-immigration efforts are now in full swing.
