ICE Enforcement Sweeping Through Morris County |
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Hi John,
It’s been one year since Trump was sworn in for a second term, and the past 12 months have brought no end of unimaginable hardships to our nation. One of the most devastating has been the ramped-up program of mass deportations, carried out with little regard to due process, the rule law, or Constitutional protections—all of which apply to everyone on U.S. soil, not just American citizens. Now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is casting an ever-widening net, terrorizing workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. Thousands of immigrants—people quietly working, raising families, and building better lives—are being viciously targeted.
The Morris County Democratic Committee is committed to keeping our members and neighbors informed, connected, and empowered to act. In this week’s newsletter, we’re sharing how our local communities are pushing back and some concrete ways you can get involved. Going forward, we’ll also provide updates on ICE activity in Morris County and statewide, and on what our elected officials are — and are not — doing to protect our communities.
This moment calls not just for awareness, but for organization. Together, we can stand up for our values and protect those most at risk. |
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A Terrible Start to the New Year in Roxbury and Morristown |
In December 2025, news broke that Federal reports indicated ICE is considering converting an industrial warehouse in Roxbury Township to house between 500 and 1,500 detainees. The proposal is part of a broader plan under the Trump administration to expand immigrant detention capacity nationwide by using large warehouses, though plans are still unfinalized and internal. (New Jersey Globe)
Roxbury officials said they have not been formally contacted or notified by ICE or the federal government about any specific plans or agreements for a facility in their township. In response, the Roxbury Township Council passed a resolution opposing any detention center being located in the township, citing concerns about limited water, sewer, and public safety resources.
Dozens of protestors packed a Roxbury council meeting on Dec. 30, and held multiple rallies in the community. This prompted the all-Republican Roxbury Township Committee to adopt a Resolution opposing the facility. If you live in Roxbury and would like to join the Roxbury Dems’ efforts to oppose the proposed facility, you can learn more here.
On January 11, 2026, ICE agents conducted a raid in the Speedwell Avenue/Henry Street area of Morristown, detaining an estimated multiple individuals from a laundromat and nearby businesses. The operation was not communicated to local officials in advance, and it sparked fear and anxiety across the community, prompting local leaders, clergy, and residents to provide support and organize rallies and protests. (Morristown Green)
One of those detained, Juan Daniel Mendoza, a Morristown High School senior, was later released by a federal judge on January 15, 2026, after a judge ruled his detention violated his due process rights and ordered that ICE not re‑arrest him without showing he poses a flight risk or danger.
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty emphasized that Morristown remains focused on public safety, inclusion, and trust between residents and local government. The Morristown Police Department does not conduct civil immigration enforcement and does not inquire about immigration status during routine interactions, consistent with local policy and New Jersey Attorney General guidelines.
And while the January 11 raid in Morristown and the proposed Roxbury detention facility have drawn the most attention, smaller-scale ICE detentions and enforcement actions continue throughout Morris County, creating ongoing uncertainty and fear for immigrant residents. Community organizations, legal advocates, and local leaders are actively monitoring these developments, providing support, and building rapid-response networks to ensure that residents know their rights and have access to resources whenever enforcement activity occurs.
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Grassroots Roundup: Ways to Get Involved |
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Join with grassroots groups organizing ongoing rallies! Sign up for a Day of Action planned in Trenton on February 12. The goal is to pressure state lawmakers to adopt the codification of the existing Immigrant Trust Directive, which restricts state, county, and local law enforcement from assisting ICE.
Support immigrant advocacy groups, such as Wind of the Spirit, DIRE, and the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, in their efforts to help those being directly affected.
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Opposition may feel exhausting, but silence is not an option. Let’s commit to fighting for our democracy to honor the lives of Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and Keith Porter Jr., all killed by ICE for acting as citizen bystanders and witnesses. This is a time to stand up for vulnerable individuals in our communities and to speak out for justice. |
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Governance Roundup:
What Are Our Elected Representatives Doing? |
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MCDC Electeds Caucus: Members of the Morris County Electeds Caucus are working with the Governor’s office to set up a meeting to discuss the real and growing impacts of immigration enforcement on Morris County municipalities. The caucus has urged that the meeting be open to all Morris County elected officials, regardless of party, recognizing that local leaders are on the front lines responding to residents’ fear and uncertainty, and that this moment demands transparency, coordination, and inclusive dialogue.
- Roxbury Township Council: On January 13, 2026, the Township Committee unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the conversion of industrial warehouses into an ICE processing or detention facility, citing strains on infrastructure, emergency services, environmental protections, and public safety.
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Borough of Chatham: On January 26, 2026, the Mayor Carolyn Dempsey and the Borough Council unanimously passed a resolution in full support of Roxbury’s opposition, emphasizing that warehouses are unsafe and unsuitable for housing detainees and that any ICE facility in Morris County would place an unreasonable burden on local resources.
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council: On January 27, 2026, the council adopted a 3–2 resolution opposing the creation of ICE processing or detention facilities in the township, citing potential impacts on community infrastructure and safety, while also expressing support for statewide immigrant-protection legislation. All Democrats voted in support; both Republicans opposed.
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The Boonton Town Council wrote a letter of opposition, and the Mendham Township Committee, with a 3/2 GOP/Dem split, is considering a letter as well.
View LD25 Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeny's Video
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced plans to launch a state-run online portal where residents can upload photos and videos documenting ICE agents conducting enforcement actions in the state. Sherrill said the portal, which is being developed with the state Attorney General’s Office, will help increase transparency and accountability around ICE activities, countering the secrecy under which federal agents often operate. She urged New Jerseyans, “If you see an ICE agent in the street, get your phone out, we want to know,” and emphasized that the portal would be part of broader state efforts to educate people on their rights and protect civil liberties. We will share more information as it becomes available
Senator Cory Booker has strongly condemned ICE enforcement actions in New Jersey, especially after the January 2026 raid in Morristown. Booker traveled to Morristown and spoke at community events, calling ICE “out of control” and saying its tactics have sowed fear and distrust in families and neighborhoods, and that some actions have put children at risk. He criticized the agency’s conduct and said he would oppose further federal funding for ICE and DHS without accountability. Booker also vehemently opposed plans for new ICE detention centers in the state, including proposals to repurpose sites in Roxbury Township.
Senator Andy Kim has been actively speaking out about immigration enforcement, particularly as it affects New Jersey communities. He has condemned aggressive ICE tactics and said he will vote against federal funding for ICE, calling the agency’s actions “lawless violence” and criticizing the Trump Administration for how deportation enforcement is being carried out. Kim also highlighted the climate of fear among New Jersey residents, saying people are afraid to leave home, go to work, or send their children to school because of ICE’s presence and use of administrative warrants.
In early 2026, the New Jersey Legislature passed three immigrant protection bills, but only one became law. Governor Phil Murphy signed the Safe Communities Act, which protects access to “sensitive locations” like schools, hospitals, and places of worship from intimidation during immigration enforcement. Efforts to codify the Immigrant Trust Directive and enact a Privacy Protection Act were pocket‑vetoed as Murphy left office and will need to be reintroduced for the new governor’s consideration.
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Governance Roundup:
What are Morris County Republicans Saying and Doing? |
As of February 2, 2026, MCDC was unable to find any documented public statements about ICE raids or immigration enforcement in Morris County from: -
CD7 Congressman Tom Kean Jr.
- LD25 Assemblywoman Aura Dunn
- LD26 representatives Pennacchio, Bergen, Webber
- LD24 representatives Space, Inganamort, Fantasia
- Any Morris County Commissioner
New Jersey State Senator Tony Bucco issued a public statement criticizing Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposal to create an online portal for reporting/filing videos of ICE enforcement activity, arguing it risks escalating tensions and undermines public safety rather than protecting communities. (Insider NJ)
Bucco, who also serves as the municipal attorney for Roxbury Township, stated his personal opposition to the federal government siting an immigration detention center in Roxbury and has been quoted saying he doesn’t think “an ICE facility in the middle of a town like Roxbury is something that the federal government should consider.” (morristowngreen.com)
The Morris County Democratic Committee will provide additional information on statements and actions regarding ICE enforcement and related issues if they become available. |
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Just 2 days until the CD11 Special Primary Election: Thursday, Feb 5, 2026
With 3 days to go, there have been 22,234 Dem primary votes cast in the CD11 Special Primary election: 17,148 have voted by mail, and 5,086 have voted early in-person
Essex 10,459 (47.0%) Morris 10,139 (45.6%)
Passaic 1,636 (7.4%) |
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The Morris County Democratic Committee's endorsed candidate is Tom Malinowski. |
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HELP GET OUT THE VOTE FOR MALINOWSKI!
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Volunteer with Team Tom!
The February 5th Special Primary Election is approaching quickly and Team Tom is working to talk to as many voters as possible. Join us to speak to your neighbors about why you're supporting Tom to replace Mikie Sherrill in Congress. |
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Some of MCDC-endorsed CD11 candidate Tom Malinowski’s statements on ICE |
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