By Anne Levin

Fifteen undocumented people were taken into custody around 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 24 during an immigration enforcement operation on Harrison Street, according to information from the Municipality.

“The ICE field Office Director has confirmed that 15 undocumented individuals were detained this morning,” reads an update posted on Facebook Thursday afternoon. Initial reports had said “around five” people had been taken into custody.

The exact location of the raid, or information about the individuals or involved, were not disclosed in the alert.

During a meeting of Princeton Council on July 16, some 50 members of the public spoke of their fear about ICE raids, urging the governing body to pass a resolution supporting the Immigrant Trust Act (ITA). The state-level proposal has been backed by 13 other New Jersey municipalities. Council members responded that they were considering the action.

The Facebook alert from the municipality reads, “Please know that ICE did not notify the Municipality of Princeton or the Princeton Police of their presence or actions. Please know that the Princeton Police do not participate in federal immigration enforcement.”

It continues, “We understand that news like this may be alarming, and we want to assure you that we are committed to keeping our community informed. We will share updates as soon as we receive more details.”

A statement from Resistencia en Accion NJ said that eight ICE agents wearing uniforms, in an unmarked civilian vehicle, attempted to detain three people by a grocery store at John Street and Leigh Avenue. Two escaped, and one was arrested.

“This incident was deeply disturbing, and a grim reminder that ICE continues to racially profile and target our community,” it reads. “Now more than ever, Princeton needs real protection. It’s time to stand with our neighbors, not vilify the organizations working to hold this Council accountable. Our community deserves protection, not politics.”