PASSAIC, N.J. (1010 WINS) – Hundreds are expected to protest in New Jersey on Saturday as immigrant rights advocates organize a march against a recent crackdown, increased arrests, and raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"Hundreds of immigrant families will lead a march through the immigrant-rich city of Passaic, NJ, to protest recent ICE raids and arrests and to call for protections for immigrants statewide," Make the Road New Jersey, a nonprofit immigrants' rights organization, wrote in a statement according to NJ.com. "The 'We Are Home' march will bring immigrant families together to show strength, resilience, and solidarity in the face of skyrocketing ICE raids and detention."
The march will begin at 3 p.m. outside Passaic High School on Paulison Street in the City of Passaic.
Under President Donald Trump, officers have been authorized to arrest people without legal status if encountered during searches for migrants targeted for removal. Such "collateral arrests" were previously banned under former President Joe Biden.
As of Feb. 3, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported 8,768 arrests for immigration violations and 5,693 deportations or removals. Those arrested represented 121 countries, according to a post on X.
While charges associated with the arrests included serious offenses such as aggravated assault, arson, burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, drug-related crimes (including possession and trafficking), crimes against children, driving while intoxicated, forgery, fraud, homicide, human smuggling, and human trafficking, it remains unclear if all those arrested were charged with such offenses.
Protests against Trump's deportation efforts are taking place nationwide, including a rally on Feb. 1, 2025, in Waukegan, Illinois, where 300 activists marched against increased ICE activity. It was one of the community's largest demonstrations for immigrant rights. Similar protests happened on Monday in cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Asheville, North Carolina, opposing Trump's mass deportation plans.





