Watson Coleman Statement on Yesterday's ICE Operations in Trenton
Following yesterday’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Trenton, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) called for the release of Julio Lopez Najera, a Trenton resident with a pending green card application. Mr. Lopez Najera has been detained since early Thursday morning and is currently being held at Delaney Hall.
“Julio is an upstanding member of this community. He has been working, supporting his family with a pending application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services seeking legal status. He has no criminal record. He is respected in his community. Most importantly, as a resident of the United States and the State of New Jersey, he has a right to due process. He should be released immediately,” said Watson Coleman.
On Thursday, several vehicles with uniformed ICE and HSI agents arrived at a home on Bayard Street, having stopped a van Mr. Lopez Najera was using to travel to work. The agents attempted to use threats against Mr. Lopez Najera’s status to gain entry to the home. They did not have a warrant for those in the home and left the scene with Mr. Lopez Najera when their application for a warrant was rejected by a federal judge.
Congresswoman Watson Coleman spoke to residents who had gathered at the scene to support Mr. Lopez Najera and his family.
“We have the right to be treated as human beings. We have the right to have law enforcement conduct its responsibilities appropriately and legally. When they don’t, it is citizens like you that hold them accountable,” said Watson Coleman. “You and I, all want people who commit crimes off the streets, so ICE needs to get about its business and take care of the dangerous, and leave those who simply want to work and live and worship and leave that part of the community alone.”