ICE raid in Princeton: About a dozen people detained in early morning operation (updated)

About a dozen people were taken into custody on Thursday during immigration raids in Princeton, activists said.

Local officials confirmed that federal agents conducted a raid at about 6:45 a.m. on Harrison Street. The previous day, ICE was also spotted in the Witherspoon Jackson neighborhood, where many immigrants live. According to Resistencia en Accion NJ, on Wednesday, eight federal agents wearing uniforms and driving at least one unmarked vehicle tried to detain three people near the intersection of John Street and Leigh Avenue near a small convenience store. Two people escaped, and one was caught.

Local officials said on Thursday that the municipality and the Princeton Police Department were not given advance notice of the raids and did not assist federal agents.

“According to reports we received, four to five individuals were taken into custody by ICE on Harrison Street,” officials said in a statement about the early morning raid on Thursday. “At this time, we do not have additional information regarding the individuals involved or the circumstances.”

The “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” included a significant increase in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border enforcement, with a total of $170.7 billion allocated towards these areas. This includes approximately $30 billion specifically for ICE enforcement and deportation operations, with a large portion allocated to increasing the number of ICE agents. The bill also includes substantial funding for detention centers, with some estimates reaching $45 billion. 

Last week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst would be used to hold immigrant detainees.

Resistencia en Acción NJ held a protest at the New Jersey State House on Thursday morning, calling on legislators to pass the Immigrant Trust Act.

During a Princeton Council meeting last week, more than three dozen people called on the governing body to pass a resolution supporting the state legislation.

Resistencia en Accion NJ on Thursday said the resolution was essential to ensure that the municipality is committed to policies that prevent harm to the immigrant community.