Arrests by federal agents in South Orange and Maplewood have swept up a number of long-term contractors and construction workers with ties to the community.
In late July, a Maplewood resident posted on social media about a contractor being taken from outside a neighbor’s home. The worker’s family launched a GoFundMe seeking help to provide legal and other aid. Neighbors have been reticent to speak with press about the incident, saying they have been asked by the family not to do so. A number of local residents have, however, reached out to Village Green and expressed grief and shock about the arrest. “I am heartsick over this,” wrote one Maplewood resident.
On the morning of August 7, a local resident posted photos of what appeared to be U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents surrounding a local work van of a popular and trusted local contractor service. The agents arrested the driver on Tichenor Avenue in South Orange.
An arrest appearing to take place on Tichenor Avenue on South Orange on August 7, 2026. Via Facebook.
The resident who took the photo posted to a local Facebook group and tagged South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum who responded, “On it – if there’s any more pictures, especially of the individual/license plate of their car, please DM me any and all information. And thank you everyone for being on top of this and calling DIRE!”
DIRE — or Deportation & Immigration Response Equipo — is a non-profit volunteer group that “supports undocumented individuals and their families facing immigration and detention crises.” The DIRE number is 1-888-DIRE-SOS or 1-888-347 3767.
Residents also shared contact information for SOMA Community Cares, which supplies “direct relief to those impacted by immigration enforcement,” at [email protected].
Another resident posted images of an apparent arrest in Maplewood, also on Friday, August 7: “This happened 10 mins ago, near my house, corner of Oakland Rd & Oakview Ave, Maplecrest Park. 3 unmarked cars, 3 ICE agents ambushed 2 workers (Oblado’s roofing) and drove off with them, leaving van in crosswalk, hazards blinking. About 7 civilian witnesses filmed it, here’s mine. I just told town hall. They were shocked. Other moms called roofing co.”
Immigration enforcement on Oakland Road at Oakview Avenue, Maplecrest Park, Maplewood, NJ August 7, 2026. Via Facebook.
Village Green has reached out to the ICE Newark field office for more information on the incidents and will update this story when we receive a reply. Information provided by ICE on previous arrests in Maplewood and South Orange identified those apprehended as non-violent offenders. All but one had no arrest record; one man arrested had a previous DUI but was arrested by federal agents for illegal entry.
Read more here:
- UPDATED: ICE Arrested 4 Men in Maplewood on May 5
- 2 Men Taken by ICE on Prospect Street in Maplewood
Village Green spoke to another local contractor last week who has been working in the South Orange-Maplewood area for decades. He expressed his ongoing concern about the targeting of house painters, roofers and construction workers. Although an American-born citizen himself, he noted that he has been losing colleagues, with some in detention and some self-deporting.
He asked Village Green, “What are the towns doing?”
RELATED: Know Your Rights—Maplewood Immigration Advocate & Lawyer Shares Guidance
On August 7, South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum posted to social media: “Neighbors – I’m aware of ICE being in our community, spotted both on Tichenor and Clark Street. If you have any additional information, please let me know. My email is [email protected], …. Also, if you see any activity, please call the rapid-response hotline for DIRE (Deportation and Immigration Response Equipo): 1-888-DIRE-SOS (1-888-347-3767)”.
On July 7, the Maplewood Township Committee passed two ordinances and discussed other actions aimed at protecting and aiding residents of the township who are immigrants.
Noting that the 2020 US Census identified 22.1% of Maplewood residents as foreign born, the Township Committee unanimously approved the Maplewood Immigrant Trust Act and a “Restricted Areas” ordinance protecting the privacy of local residents and clarifying local law enforcements obligations related to actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements. The Township Committee also discussed creating a legal fund to help immigrant families, and directed staff to provide outreach to Haitian-born residents facing loss of income and potential deportation due to loss of their Temporary Protected Status, or TPS.
Read more here: Maplewood Officials Take Action on Multiple Fronts to Protect Immigrant Residents
