ICE agents face scrutiny after encounter with student in North Bergen

Masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have drawn criticism from North Bergen officials and residents following an encounter with an 18-year-old high school student on Monday morning. George Castillo reported being stopped and questioned about his age and citizenship status while waiting for a friend near North Bergen High School.

Local leaders, including Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Assemblymember Gabriel Rodriguez, expressed concern over the incident. Rodriguez noted that New Jersey law requires law enforcement officers to reveal their facial identities while performing official duties. Residents also gathered near the school to protest the agency's presence.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded by stating the encounter occurred during a targeted operation that resulted in nine arrests of individuals with criminal histories. DHS clarified that agents spoke with an adult male rather than a child and maintained that ICE does not target schools or children.

Additionally, DHS challenged a New Jersey law that prohibits law enforcement from wearing face coverings while on duty, labeling the measure “unconstitutional.” Federal officials argued that masks are necessary to protect officers from real-world threats and the exposure of their identities.