Around 15 people detained in ICE raid at Edison warehouse, workers say
The operation, led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, unfolded inside the facility located in the Heller Industrial Park.
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The Alba Wine and Spirits warehouse in Edison was the target of an immigration raid by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday morning.
A total of 15 employees were taken into custody by federal agents.
Around 30 agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection swarmed the property and demanded identification from employees.
Those who were cleared were told to wear wristbands. Others without proper identification were zip-tied and put in waiting vans.
While the raid was taking place, employees who were questioned by federal agents and released after their identification was checked out, told News 12 about their experience.
“These people dragged me out of my car when I was in the middle of my break. They were pushing me, they were harassing me. When I told them to keep their distance, they pushed me on the floor and handcuffed me," said a man named Diego, who did not want his last name revealed. "They let me go because they had to, but they were just harassing people for no reason. People over here are only working. Nobody is here doing anything bad.”
While the raid was taking place, immigrant advocates were at the entrance of the property, telling employees who were showing up for work to stay away.
Federal agents left the property by noon.
Relatives of those detained were being told their loved ones were heading either to the detention center in Elizabeth or Delaney Hall in Newark.
