TRENTON – This week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents began an aggressive detention and deportation campaign following an executive order rescinding guidelines that prevented arrests in “sensitive areas” such as schools, churches, and hospitals. Raids have begun in NJ where more than 470,000 residents are undocumented. After yesterday’s raid in Newark, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ President and CEO Staci Berger and Board of Directors Chair Edward Bethea issued the following statement:

“Yesterday’s attack on immigrants, residents and military veterans in the City of Newark is a cruel and despicable act against our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Berger. “We are proud to stand with our community development members, elected officials and civil rights advocates to defend and protect our core mission: ensuring the basic human dignity of all people who live in our state. Every single human being has the right to live in a safe place they can afford to call home, and everyone has the right to live free from this kind of terror. No human being is illegal. This raid, and the threats of continued harassment, are deplorable and we urge state and local officials to do everything in their power to stand up for all our residents. We urge our legislators to pass the Immigrant Trust Act without delay.”

Added Bethea, “Individuals are being marginalized for striving to create better lives for themselves and their families by taking on jobs that many Americans are unwilling to do. Farmers and business leaders are finally voicing what many of us have known for years: this country needs immigrants. Throughout history, the United States has always relied on immigrants—both those who arrived of their own volition and those who were forcibly brought here. We cannot standby and allow immoral policies and corruption to perpetuate these injustices. We must advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to immigration that recognizes the vital contributions immigrants make to our society and economy.”

The Network stands in solidarity with our members and allies serving Newark and Essex County residents. These organization have resources available to support immigrant communities including “Know Your Rights” information. To learn more, visit La Casa de Don Pedro at lacasadedonpedro.org, Ironbound Community Corporation at ironboundcc.org, and The NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice at njimmigrantjustice.org.

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 275 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.