Hackensack Mayor Issues Statement on ICE Activity: “Our Police Are Not Involved”
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, N.J. — Following reports of federal immigration activity in Hackensack earlier this week, Mayor Caseen Gaines moved quickly to address community concerns, emphasizing the city’s commitment to transparency and the legal protections afforded to all residents.
The presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in various neighborhoods had sparked anxiety across the city. In a formal statement from City Hall, Mayor Gaines clarified that while federal agents were present for “targeted administrative actions,” the Hackensack Police Department was not a participant.
A Firm Line Between Local and Federal Enforcement
Mayor Gaines underscored that the city operates under New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, a landmark state policy designed to build public trust by separating local law enforcement from federal civil immigration matters.
“We recognize our obligation to provide clarity to our residents,” Mayor Gaines stated. “The presence of federal agents can understandably create anxiety, and our residents deserve clear, factual information.”
Key Takeaways from the Mayor’s Briefing:
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No Collaboration: Hackensack Police did not assist in the federal actions.
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No Prior Notice: Federal authorities are not required to—and did not—notify the city before conducting their operations.
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Separation of Roles: Local officers are tasked with public safety and criminal law, not civil immigration enforcement.
Understanding the Immigrant Trust Directive
The Mayor’s response highlights a critical legal boundary in New Jersey. Under the directive, local police are prohibited from:
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Stopping or detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status.
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Assisting ICE in civil immigration raids or enforcement.
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Sharing non-public information (like home addresses) for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement.
“Our police department operates under a clear and firm separation,” the Mayor added. “This ensures that every resident, regardless of their background, can feel safe calling 111 or reporting a crime without fear.”
Resources for Hackensack Residents
City officials are encouraging residents to stay informed and know their rights. If you or a neighbor are seeking guidance on immigration matters or have questions about local policy, the following resources are available:
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The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General: Provides detailed “Know Your Rights” brochures in multiple languages.
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Hackensack City Hall: Residents can reach out for further clarification on municipal safety policies.
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ICE has a lot of work to do in Hackensack. Hope to see them back often.
Why aren’t they involved? What other crimes are acceptable?
I head there in Teaneck for the rest of the week and maybe next week too, they need to go to Hackensack again but thank god they’re getting the job done.