HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour said local law enforcement will not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following reported immigration enforcement activity near the Hoboken–Jersey City border that prompted fear, protests, and an emergency community meeting.

The mayor made the remarks during a televised interview after reports surfaced of ICE activity near the 9th Street Light Rail Station, a major transit hub used daily by commuters traveling between Hoboken and Jersey City. City officials said they have not yet received confirmation on how many individuals were taken into custody.

“So far we have not had a confirmation of how many people were impacted,” Jabbour said, noting that at least two restaurant workers were reported missing by business owners. She added that city officials relied heavily on eyewitness testimony and videos shared on social media to understand what occurred.

According to the mayor, Hoboken has not been informed where detained individuals were taken, including whether they were transported to detention facilities in Newark or Elizabeth. Jabbour said she contacted members of New Jersey’s federal delegation seeking clarity on the incident.

Jabbour confirmed she has been in direct communication with Jersey City officials due to the shared geography and transit infrastructure surrounding the enforcement activity.

The mayor emphasized that Hoboken passed legislation last year barring local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE in civil immigration enforcement matters.

“Hoboken passed a law ensuring that our local law enforcement does not cooperate with ICE,” she said. “We are standing up for your rights.”

Residents were encouraged to document suspected ICE activity when safe to do so and report it to city officials. Jabbour said that documentation allowed the city to reconstruct events near the light rail station.

She also raised concerns about reports that federal agents declined to produce a warrant when questioned by an elected official inside the transit station, which is operated by New Jersey Transit. Jabbour stressed that individuals have constitutional rights and that entry into private property requires a valid, signed warrant.

The mayor acknowledged that the incident has caused fear throughout the community, including among residents with legal immigration status.

“Hoboken is a very diverse community, and it’s part of why we’re proud to live here,” she said. “Local law enforcement will not be complying with ICE.”

Jabbour said Hoboken’s Office of Constituent Services remains available to help residents connect with legal resources, community organizations, and support services for families affected by recent enforcement activity.

“Hoboken is and will continue to be a fair and welcoming city,” she said.

Sources

PIX11 News interview with Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour