Atlantic City police face protests over alleged ICE collaboration

The immigration advocacy group El Pueblo Unido held a protest outside the Atlantic City Police Department following allegations that local officers are assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The dispute stems from recent motor vehicle stops involving group members. El Pueblo Unido founder Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez claims the police are targeting Hispanic residents and failing to intervene when ICE vehicles commit traffic violations. Moreno-Rodriguez alleged that officers prioritize traffic citations over the potential deportation of community members.

Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos has denied these allegations, stating that the department adheres to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which prohibits police from participating in ICE activities. Sarkos released surveillance footage to support the department's position, asserting that the traffic stops were conducted due to observed dangerous driving violations that posed a risk to public safety.