Reports have been confirmed regarding federal law enforcement activity in the public areas around Anderson, Park, and Passaic Streets, near the Hackensack Market.
We want to share the exact facts we have, explain what our local government can and cannot do, and remind everyone of their basic legal rights:
- How Local and Federal Authority Work: As a city government, Hackensack has no legal control over federal agencies. Federal agents operate entirely under their own independent jurisdiction. They do not notify local law enforcement before they arrive, and they do not notify us while they are working inside city limits.
- The Facts on Recent Activity: To make sure our community has the most accurate information, federal authorities have confirmed to the City that their operations here on Sunday, July 5, and Monday, July 6, have resulted in a total of 24 detentions. Federal agents stated they came here to carry out specific administrative warrants, but they also confirmed they have been conducting encounters and stops in public spaces. We are sharing these facts openly so everyone is aware of this public activity.
- The Role of Our Local Police: The Hackensack Police Department strictly follows New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive—a state-wide public safety policy that draws a sharp line between local police work and federal civil immigration enforcement. Except under limited exceptions regarding serious criminal matters defined by state law, this directive explicitly prohibits our local officers from assisting federal agents with civil immigration enforcement, and prevents local police from stopping, questioning, or detaining anyone based solely on their immigration status.
Under the United States Constitution, basic civil rights protect every single person within our borders, without exception. If you are approached by law enforcement on the street, please remember these standard protections:
- You Have the Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions about your citizenship, where you were born, or how you entered the country. You may say out loud: “I am choosing to remain silent” —doing so is your choice. You also have the right to ask for an interpreter if you do not understand the language being spoken.
- You Can Ask if You are Free to Go: You can ask the agent: “Am I free to leave?” If they say yes, you have the right to walk away. If they say no, you are being detained, but you still have the right to stay silent.
- Keep Yourself Safe: Do not panic or run away. If an agent officially detains or arrests you, do not physically resist. Doing so can quickly make the situation unsafe or lead to separate criminal charges. Keep your hands where they can see them, and follow their physical directions. Again, you still have the right to remain silent.
- Searches and Paperwork: In public spaces, you generally have the right to refuse a search of your person, clothes, or bags. You can clearly say: “I do not consent to a search.” You also have the right to refuse to sign any paperwork until you are able to speak with a lawyer.
If you or a neighbor need support, guidance, or legal help, please use these official, state-funded channels:
- Know Your Rights Information: Learn more about your rights and local protections at gov/humanservices/njnewamericans/newcomers/rights/.
- Community Text Line: Text your zip code to 898-211 or call 211 for 24/7 help finding local resources. Free support is available in many languages.
- Legal Helplines: For general immigration legal questions, call 1-732-572-9100 (ext. 8782). For urgent legal help regarding an active detention, call 1-888-894-0612.
- Locating a Loved One: If you need to check if or where a loved one is being held by federal authorities, you can safely look them up online through the official Detainee Locator System at ice.gov.
Please continue to exercise proper caution, look out for your neighbors, and remain calm. We continue to stand firmly with every member of our community, as well as your safety and well-being.
Mayor Caseen Gaines & The Hackensack City Council
