- United States
- N.J.
- Letter
ICE Arrests and Freedom
To: Gov. Murphy
From: A constituent in Hamburg, NJ
May 9
I am a lifelong New Jersey resident, mother, and public school teacher. I am writing today because I am deeply concerned about recent events that undermine the principles of due process and community safety in our state. On May 8th, 2025, in Worcester, MA, ICE agents arrested a woman without a judicial warrant. Community members who attempted to intervene were also detained. Such actions erode trust in law enforcement and install fear in our communities. On May 9th, Newark Mayor Baraka was also arrested by federal agents outside Delaney Hall. He was participating in a protest against the facility, which he has long opposed due to concerns about its operations and compliance with local ordinances. His arrest raises serious questions about the respect for democratic processes and the rights of our elected officials. I see firsthand how fear and instability affect children's ability to learn and thrive. I believe New Jersey should be a place where all families feel safe, regardless of immigration status. I urge you to take the following actions: 1. Strengthen New Jersey’s commitment to protecting all communities. 2. Ensure that local agencies do not assist in civil immigration enforcement without a warrant. 3. Expand resources and guidance to both public institutions and families to help them understand their rights. I love this state, and I am proud to serve its future generations. Please help ensure that New Jersey remains a place of fairness, safety, and dignity for all. Thank you for your time and leadership.