101 foreign nationals were taken into custody during a series of raids taking part throughout the week. The chief take away from this raid compared to the many others that have happened in recent months is how the data underscores not only a large presence of illegal immigration happening in big cities but in smaller towns and boroughs around New Jersey. It has traditionally believed to be an urban phenomenon where minority communities have thrived around the state for many years.
As arrests in less populated areas climb, Newark continues to have the largest pending caseload of immigration matters at 3,151, followed by Elizabeth and Plainfield. Experts credit the spreading of arrests to a less discriminate policy in who will be sought to be deported. A focus had been placed on those foreign nationals with potential criminal involvement. Under the current policy all are treated as equally dangerous, including mothers and young children.
In a statement ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) said it “does not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement," and that all those in violation of the immigration laws "may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States."
Immigration Attorney Harlan York has said that many of these cases are of immigrants with a legal status but have been taken into custody due to a pending criminal matter.
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