On February 1, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were seen making arrests at the light rail station on 9th Street and Jackson St. It’s located on the border of Hoboken and Jersey City, just a 20-minute walk from Stevens. ICE’s appearance has sparked tension and unrest within the Hoboken and Jersey City communities.
Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros witnessed the ICE agents and recorded his interactions. Ephros asked the ICE agents if they had a warrant, in which one of them responded, “We don’t need a warrant, bro. Stop getting that into your head.” When he attempted to ask other questions, he received few answers. Instead, he observed the agents and said that one person was taken into custody. While the exact number of arrests was vague at first, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, later reported that 10 people were arrested during the operation. Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour stated that her office received reports about ICE activity. She and Councilman Joe Quintero spoke to multiple witnesses in the area who confirmed that they saw vehicles and several individuals being apprehended. At a Hoboken community ICE meeting held on February 1, Jabbour confirmed that there were at least three cars, with two of them unmarked. She noted that at least two of the detainees worked for local Hoboken businesses. Jabbour remarked that the Hoboken Police Department was not notified in advance, nor did they assist ICE. Jabbour addressed the attendees’ concerns for community safety, affirming that Hoboken “remain[s] committed to supporting every resident, regardless of background or immigration status. You are valued, you are part of our community, and you are not alone.” Residents are encouraged to contact the Office of Constituent Services at constituents@hobokennj.gov to connect with local advocacy organizations, legal aid partners, and community groups.
Additionally, James Solomon, Jersey City’s mayor, confirmed these reports. In a social media post, he stated that the “videos are extremely disturbing — apparently including randomly picking up people on their way to work.” Solomon signed an executive order stating that no city property can be used for federal immigration operations and local police can’t aid ICE without a judge’s warrant. He reminded residents to know their rights when interacting with ICE and to prepare by memorizing an emergency contact’s phone number and keeping important documents in a safe place.
Due to the sighting, on February 1, Stevens sent an email detailing the protocol for possible ICE enforcement actions. The university previously sent a similar email in January 2024, when ICE raided a Newark store without a warrant. If approached by an ICE agent on campus, students are advised to defer to university policy and contact both the General Counsel and Chief of Stevens’ Campus Police. The Office of General Counsel can be reached by text or call at 212-677-5370 and through email at kschulz1@stevens.edu. Meanwhile, the Campus Police can be contacted through 201-216-5105 or tgriffin@stevens.edu. Stevens protocol recommends students request the agent’s name, badge, ID number, telephone number, and/or business card without taking any action to hinder or obstruct an ICE agent. Regarding campus protections to property and personal information access, a warrant or subpoena will be required in order to obtain information about a member of the Stevens community or to enter a campus building. Stevens employees are required to follow the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which, unless certain circumstances apply, protects the rights of student educational records. Therefore, ICE agents who request information about a student, faculty member, or member of the staff, including where they are located, should be referred to the General Counsel and Chief of Stevens Campus Police. Similarly, call the two departments if the agent claims that there are urgent circumstances.
According to Jabbour, the 9th Street light rail station was noticeably quieter the following Monday. Jabbour stated that it reflected the fact that many were afraid because of the raid’s impact on the local community. Anna Dabrowski, a Stevens student and Ward 6, District 2 Democratic Committeewoman, said that the emergency meeting was held to rally the community and to help them understand their rights and take the next steps to mobilize. She noted that Stevens students don’t have to answer questions from ICE agents, and if they see ICE, they don’t have to open doors without a signed judge’s warrant.
