U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained 15 people in Princeton Thursday morning during an operation on Harrison Street, marking one of the largest recent immigration enforcement actions in the city.
The sweep began around 6:45 a.m. and targeted a van carrying landscaping workers. While federal agents were reportedly seeking one individual, all occupants of the vehicle were detained.
A day earlier, ICE agents approached three people near John Street and Leigh Avenue. One was taken into custody; two others fled.
Municipal officials said ICE did not notify the town or police ahead of time. Princeton police were not involved in the operation.
Local advocacy groups began mobilizing to support affected families. Some of those detained may have legal status or close ties to U.S. citizens.
A pre-planned fundraiser in Trenton will now help families cover legal and living expenses. Organizers are also pushing the town to adopt a resolution backing the New Jersey Immigration Trust Act, which would limit local cooperation with ICE.
Princeton officials said the proposal remains under consideration.
ICE has not commented on the incident.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.