ICE: Immigration agents make 123 arrests in 14 New Jersey counties

More than 100 people were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a monthlong sweep across New Jersey that spanned 14 counties, the agency announced Monday.

News 12 Staff

Apr 9, 2019, 8:19 PM

Updated 2,084 days ago

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More than 100 people were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a monthlong sweep across New Jersey that spanned 14 counties, the agency announced Monday.
Federal authorities say the sweep targeted people with prior convictions or outstanding driving under the influence charges. They say 123 people were taken into custody overall.
The people arrested range in age from 19 to 56 and included 41 nationals of Mexico, 24 from Guatemala, 16 from Ecuador and 14 from Honduras.
Those charged included a 30-year-old Mexican national with convictions for DUI and child endangerment, as well as a 38-year-old previously deported Guatemalan national who has convictions for aggravated assault and weapons possession.
“The remarkable results of our officers and law enforcement partners highlight ICE’s ongoing commitment to public safety,” Newark field office director John Tsoukaris said in a statement. “There are 123 fewer criminals in our communities.”
Customs and Border Protection staffers assisted ICE's Homeland Security Investigations team during the sweep.
The sweep comes just weeks after new rules restricting New Jersey law enforcement departments’ cooperation with ICE agents.
Under Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s “Immigrant Trust Directive,” police can't question, search or arrest anyone based solely on suspected immigration status. They also can't ask a person's immigration status unless it's necessary for investigating a serious offense.
Police also are barred from participating in civil immigration enforcement operations conducted by federal authorities.
Those rules went into effect March 15.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.