Councilmembers Condemn Federal Arrest in Jersey City

Two Jersey City councilmembers are speaking out after Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents detained a man during a traffic stop near St. Paul’s Avenue and Concord Street, separating him from his child. The incident occurred Thursday morning near Christ Hospital, as reported by HudPost.

Councilmember James Solomon condemned the operation and linked it to federal immigration enforcement policies. “Watching Trump’s deportation force traumatize a child while detaining her father this morning in our city was heartbreaking and enraging,” Solomon said. “Let’s be clear about what’s happening here: the Trump administration is separating families, using agents unwilling to identify themselves, and throwing people into unmarked vehicles. It is an abomination, and I will use all tools at my disposal to fight back.”

Councilmember Yousef J. Saleh, who represents Ward D, also criticized the incident. “Federal immigration officers arrested a parent while a child was still in the vehicle, just a stone’s throw from Christ Hospital,” Saleh said. “At the same time these federal officers are terrorizing families on the way to school, they are using the DOJ to retaliate against our fair and welcoming sanctuary policies that have existed for nearly a decade.”

Saleh emphasized that Jersey City remains a welcoming place for immigrants. “Immigrants are welcome in every ward of Jersey City and we won’t stand down to fear,” he said.

Solomon’s office stated it has reached out to federal representatives for further information and plans to update the public as more details become available.