Video captures physical altercations during apparent ICE arrests in Clifton
The incident unfolded shortly after 9 a.m. near the corner of Parker Avenue and Exchange Place, where witnesses said several people were being detained.
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Videos obtained by News 12 show several physical confrontations between residents and individuals who appeared to be federal agents during apparent Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions in a Clifton neighborhood Tuesday morning.
The incident unfolded shortly after 9 a.m. near the corner of Parker Avenue and Exchange Place, where witnesses said several people were being detained. Footage shows multiple individuals being escorted into the back of a van by people believed to be Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
"I live right down over there," said neighbor Nicholas Corsalu, pointing a block behind him. "When I walked out, there was SUVs, and we saw about three or four people being taken out by ICE."
Additional video captures a confrontation between onlookers and law enforcement. One individual wearing a mask and a vest marked "police" can be seen shoving another person multiple times as residents gathered nearby. Video shows several observers approaching the area, including one person using a megaphone to address those being detained.
"I saw one ICE [agent] pushing a man and woman to stay back," said witness Alejandro Nava Cruz.
The incident has left many residents unsettled, particularly in a city with a large Hispanic population.
"It's truly terrifying to see that they are so close. It's just so unpredictable what they're going to do, how they're going to react," said Brenda Lozano, who lives two streets away from where the incident happened. "I think to myself, how much closer and closer are they going to be until I see them on my actual street."
Residents told News 12 they believe immigration enforcement activity in the area has become more visible in recent months, raising concerns throughout the community.
"Most of our community over here is Hispanic...That's the majority of our town," said Corsalu. "So, to see that is crazy."
News 12 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment regarding the footage and the apparent enforcement operation, but did not receive a response as of publication time.
