6 events in Passaic County with a date

Morristown mayor confirms ICE raid, arrests

By: William Westhoven
Morristown Daily Record
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents staged a raid in Morristown over the weekend [01/10-11/2026] arresting as many as 10 people, town authorities said.
..... Mayor Tim Dougherty said he was told "seven to 10" people were "removed" by ICE agents. A town statement release on January 12 [2026] said the enforcement action took place around 10:15 AM. at locations in the area of Speedwell Avenue and Henry Street, including a laundromat and other businesses.
..... The statement said local officials were not notified in advance "and did not participate in or assist with this federal action."
..... "Morristown is a community built by generations of immigrants, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths," Dougherty said. "Actions like this create fear and uncertainty for families who contribute every day to our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods."
..... A message seeking comment from the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, was not immediately returned.
..... The arrest occurred as protesters gathered in several locations around New Jersey over the weekend to protest ICE activity. Those rallies followed the January 7 [2026] shooting death of a Minneapolis woman, Renee Good, during a confrontation with ICE officers.
..... A separate report that Homeland Security may be planning to open an ICE detention facility in Roxbury, in Morris County, has also sparked protests in recent days.
..... Dougherty issued a statement acknowledging that "in the recent days and weeks, we have seen federal immigration activity around the country and now in our region."
..... "I want to speak clearly to our community: Our community will always stand for dignity, due process and basic human decency that every snooper deserves," he told the Daily Record. "We will continue to make sure our residents know their rights, their resources, and that their local government stands with them."

Morristown's statement

..... "The Morristown Police Department does not conduct civil immigration enforcement and does not inquire about immigration status during routing interactions, consisted with local policy and New Jersey Attorney Gen real guidelines," the town statement read.
..... "Municipal services, community organizations, and nonprofit partners are available to support residents who may be affected or distressed by the incident," the statement concluded. "the Town of Morristown encourages residents with concerns or who need assistance tor each out to local community organizations and trusted legal resources. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available."
..... Dougherty added, "We are still gathering information."
..... Incoming state Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney, a Morristown resident, posted on social media that she had "received multiple phone calls, emails and messages about ICE being in Morristown on Speedwell Avenue."
..... "I've been in communication with the mayor and the police department, and numerous churches and nonprofits in the area," wrote Sweeney, who will be sown in this week. [01/15/2026]

Attorneys asked to help

..... Later in the day, Dougherty posted a video update on social media asking immigration attorneys to volunteer their services "to assist the people that were picked up, swept in this raid."
..... "A pro bono would be extremely helpful to our community," he said. "Obviously, the people that were picked up probably don't have the means to pay for immigration attorneys. But they need to know their rights and get as much protection as humanity possible."
..... Attorneys willing to offer pro bono services can call the mayor's office at 973-292-6629, he said, adding that he will meet with Latino community leaders in town "to discuss the next steps."
..... He ended with a call for people to "stay clam."
..... "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the people that were caught up in the sweep," he said. "Stay focused, stay alert, and keep the faith."

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