ICE detains more than a dozen heading to work in Princeton, NJ

More than a dozen people were arrested and detained by ICE while they traveled to work in Princeton, New Jersey, local officials confirmed.

The operation occurred early Thursday morning with no notice or warning, Princeton’s local government said in a Facebook post. In total, 15 people without proper documents were taken into custody.

“Please know that ICE did not notify the Municipality of Princeton or the Princeton Police Department of their presence or actions,” the post said, emphasizing that no local officials or authorities were involved.

“We understand that news like this may be alarming, and we want to assure you that we are committed to keeping our community informed. We will share updates as soon as we receive more confirmed details.”

According to Resistance in Action NJ, an immigration advocacy group, a white van carrying ICE agents approached the workers along Harrison Street around 6:45 a.m.

Many of them were on the way to work for a local landscaping company at the time, according to family members who spoke during a Thursday evening press conference hosted by Resistance in Action.

They all described their loved ones as hard workers — most of them working two jobs — who came to the United States for a better life, per a translation by NJ.com.

A nephew of one detainee said the van and all of their belongings were abandoned on the side of the road. Another loved one said their friend worked the landscaping job during the day and then work until 2 a.m. at a local bar.

Few other details have been provided.

Originally Published: July 25, 2025 at 1:56 PM EDT