Full Notification

Below is an update from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla: 

Yesterday, the Mayor of Newark shared an update that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a warrantless raid in Newark, where they detained a number of people, including U.S. Citizens, a military veteran, and undocumented workers. Sadly, it is very possible that this will continue to occur frequently in communities across the country. As such, we should be prepared if this occurs in Hoboken, a city built and made great by immigrants, right within view of the welcoming torchlight of The Statue of Liberty. 

I want to assure you that the Hoboken Police Department remains committed to the guidance provided by the New Jersey Attorney General: HPD will not cooperate with ICE if they come to our city without warrants signed by a federal judge. They will not assist in unlawfully detaining our community members. Our priority remains in ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our residents, regardless of their immigration status.

Today, I reaffirm Hoboken’s unwavering commitment to being a fair, welcoming, and inclusive city for all who call it home. Everyone, regardless of immigration status, is protected under the U.S. Constitution.  

I understand that these are uncertain and frightening times, particularly for our immigrant community. As the son of immigrants who came to this country seeking greater opportunities for their family, I deeply empathize with the challenges and fears many of you may be experiencing. Please know that Hoboken stands united in support of our neighbors regardless of where you were born or who your parents are.  

The majority of our residents in Hoboken are legal citizens. That said, you might not know the struggle some of your neighbors may be experiencing right now given these uncertain times, but I urge you to reach out to them and let them know that you are an ally. Encourage them to put together a family preparedness plan. Tell them to memorize your phone number. Help them to understand their rights. 

The City’s social workers are actively collaborating with non-profits and local and state agencies to connect residents to available resources. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out to Bianca Hoffer at [email protected] or Lori Hetzel at [email protected]. Additionally, my office and the Office of Constituent Services are here to help; you can reach us at 201-420-2000 ext. 1311 or email the Head of the Constituent Services Nora Martínez DeBenedetto at [email protected]. 

For further support, we encourage residents to explore the following resources:  

• The ACLU offers a "Know Your Rights – Immigrant Rights" guide, tailored to various scenarios and customizable by state and language.  
• The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights provides an Immigrant Assistance Referral Line at (888) 624-4752 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions about know your rights issues, citizenship processes, and more. They also offer a Legal Assistance Line at (213) 201-3797 which can help with deportation defense and keeping families together.  
• The New Jersey Office of New Americans (ONA) supports new Americans through outreach, education, and resources, including an asylum guide and free legal services for income-eligible residents facing deportation. Visit NewAmericans.nj.gov or call 732-572-9100 ext. 8782 for non-detained immigration matters or 1-888-894-0612 for detention-related inquiries. 

Additionally, on March 20th, the City’s social workers have partnered with the Hoboken Public Library and Immigration and American Citizenship Organization to host a Know Your Rights Seminar on Immigration Law with an immigration attorney. The seminar will be offered in both English and Spanish from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 500 Park Ave. in the large programming room of the library. 

As we navigate these new — but sadly familiar — waters, Hoboken will continue to provide additional resources and updates as they become available. Together, we will face these challenges with the resilience and unity that make our city the community it is today. 

As it is literally inscribed on Lady Liberty, ‘Give me your ... huddled masses yearning to breathe free... I lift my lamp beside the golden door.'  My administration will be a lamp for all those who seek assistance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here for you. 

Sincerely,   

Ravi S. Bhalla 
Mayor