ICE arrests prompt fear, economic concerns in New Brunswick
Residents and business owners in one New Brunswick neighborhood tell News 12 recent ICE arrests are keeping people off the streets and hurting local businesses.
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Residents and business owners in one New Brunswick neighborhood tell News 12 that recent ICE arrests are keeping people off the streets and hurting local businesses.
Juan Carlos Hernandez was detained Sunday morning by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while working as a taxi driver near Wash and Dry Express, according to his family.
His sister, Diana Hernandez, said agents took him into custody during his shift.
"They didn't really let him speak on anything," Hernandez said. "They just handcuffed him and took him away."
According to his family, Hernandez has lived in the United States for nearly 30 years and has no criminal record.
"He's a loving dad, hardworking man," said Hernandez's wife.
Residents said Hernandez is one of several people detained in recent weeks in New Brunswick, which is home to a large Hispanic population.
They told News 12 that enforcement activity is also affecting local businesses.
"There's not that much foot traffic around and less street vendors too," said an employee at a flower shop near where Hernandez was detained. "There used to be a lot of street vendors, and now there isn't really."
Businesses across the street from a nearby gas station where residents said an ICE arrest took place last Tuesday described similar conditions.
"Nobody wants to walk in the street," said one business owner. "You can see all the streets are empty."
Some said the recent arrests have also heightened concerns for their own friends and family members.
"It was scary too because my dad is a taxi driver," said an employee. "There's just so many chances they could be stopped randomly."
