Federal agents detained nearly 30 immigrant workers during a raid at a warehouse in Edison on August 20. The raid is part of intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
The operation took place at the Smart Logistics and Freight Solutions warehouse, which houses companies including Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. Agents from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered the facility in the morning, blocking exits and escorting workers out in restraints. CBP described it as a “surprise inspection,” though immigrant advocacy groups said it was an immigration raid. The Washington Examiner reported that 29 people were taken into custody.
The raid followed a July enforcement action at a nearby Edison liquor warehouse, where ICE arrested 20 workers.
Edison ICE Raid Raises Legal Questions
Advocacy groups have raised concerns that ICE operated without judicial warrants, which would be unconstitutional. Organizations such as New Labor argued that CBP’s presence was used to justify ICE enforcement. Workers reported being sorted with zipties, with those deemed legally authorized allowed to remain.
Videos from the scene showed federal vehicles and unmarked SUVs at the site, and witnesses described chaotic scenes, with some workers injured or hiding to avoid arrest. Families gathered outside seeking information about detained relatives.
The raid was the second large-scale operation in Edison this year.
Increased Family Detentions in New York
In addition to workplace raids, ICE has escalated family detentions in the New York City area. Since January, about 50 children under 18 have been detained by ICE, with at least 38 deported, according to the New York Times. A majority of those deported were from Ecuador.
One case drew particular ethical concerns: a mother and her 6-year-old daughter detained at a Manhattan check-in and deported to Ecuador within a week. Her 19-year-old son remains detained in Newark. New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the detention as unjust.
The administration has defended family detentions as a deterrent and a way to ensure court appearances. In March, officials reopened the South Texas Family Residential Center, capable of holding 2,400 people. Lawyers familiar with situation have reported poor conditions and limited legal access inside.
Trump Escalates Immigration Enforcement
The Edison raids, the deportation of families, and arrests of students reflect a broader strategy to expand immigration enforcement. Under the Trump spending bill, which narrowly passed in Congress last month, detention capacity has grown, and limits on the treatment of children in custody are being reconsidered.
For immigrant communities in New Jersey and New York, the result has been heightened fear and disruption in workplaces, schools and even homes.
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