Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour said Monday the 9th Street Light Rail station on the border of Jersey City has been noticeably quieter the day after federal immigration officers arrested several individuals at the station.
“It was noticeably less busy than it ought to be on a Monday morning, which reflects the fact that obviously people are scared to go about their normal routines because of what happened yesterday,” Jabbour said.
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement that 10 people, including "multiple illegal aliens who committed felonies by illegally re-entering" the United States, were arrested in the Jersey City enforcement operation.
Under the current administration, McLaughlin said, "if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”
Jabbour said she knows of at least three people who were arrested at the station who were on their way to work at Hoboken businesses. Videos of the ICE encounters spread quickly on social media.
The Hoboken Police Department was not notified or involved in the operation, Jabbour stressed. Since Sunday’s arrests, Jabbour said she’s not aware of any ICE arrests or sightings in Hoboken.
Residents have been outraged and concerned about the arrests on Sunday, Jabbour said.
“The word has gotten out very quickly to all aspects of our community, and people are very upset,” Jabbour said.
At a community meeting Sunday night hosted by local Assemblymember Ravi Bhalla, a student at Hoboken High School asked how they could feel safe going to school, wondering if they might be asked for documentation, Jabbour said.
Jabbour also said several residents have reached out to assist, including immigration legal help and social services. Jabbour’s office has referred concerned residents to the American Civil Liberties Union’s know-your-rights guide for immigrants.
This story was updated with comment from the Department of Homeland Security.
