'We are genuinely concerned': Mayor addresses reports of ICE in Paterson

PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) -- When asked about the recent ICE raids on Sunday, Mayor Andre Sayegh told PIX11 News that he received a report that ICE agents were in Paterson.

"We are genuinely concerned. We are a welcoming city. Quite frankly, there has to be an appropriate procedure. If they have a warrant, we understand. If they don't, people have to know their rights. As a matter of fact, I did get a report today that ICE was in Paterson, not too far from here," said Mayor Sayegh.

ICE posted on X that 956 people were arrested Sunday and 554 detainers were lodged.

Earlier this week in Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka said ICE agents raided a seafood store and detained three people. The store owner told PIX11 News that a U.S. military veteran was among the people detained.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement Thursday afternoon condemning the incident, which read in part:

“This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees ‘the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures’ Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized.”

An ICE spokesperson released the following statement:

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting fieldwork and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a work site on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations.”

In New York City, the Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs has updated its website to offer tips for undocumented people so they understand their rights if immigration officials approach them.