Nearly 50 Workers Arrested in Summer ICE Raids Disrupt New Jersey Shipping Hub

Edison, NJ – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) raids at two New Jersey warehouses this summer have led to the arrest of nearly 50 workers, significantly unsettling a crucial Northeast shipping hub. The operations, which occurred in July and August, have disrupted logistics for companies with a substantial presence in the area, including Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, leading to operational delays and order backlogs.

The first major raid took place on July 8, 2025, at the Alba Wine & Spirits Warehouse in Edison, where 20 individuals were detained by federal agents. This incident set a precedent for increased enforcement in the region, raising concerns among immigrant communities and local businesses. The facilities targeted are bonded warehouses, granting federal agencies authority for unannounced inspections.

The second, larger operation occurred on August 20, 2025, at the Smart Supply Chain Warehouse, also in Edison, resulting in the arrest of 29 workers. This sweep brought the total number of detentions to 49 for the summer. The raids have left warehouses short-staffed and behind schedule, with many workers, both documented and undocumented, experiencing heightened fear and psychological trauma.

The impact extends beyond the immediate arrests, affecting the broader supply chain and local economy. "Nearly 50 workers arrested, disrupting operations, delaying orders," stated Luis Ferré-Sadurní in a tweet, highlighting the immediate consequences for the region's shipping capabilities. Many workers are hired through staffing agencies, and the raids have prompted questions about the employment verification processes.

The enforcement actions have drawn sharp criticism from New Jersey officials. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim condemned the raids as "performative theatrics" that undermine community safety and economic stability. Congressman Frank Pallone also criticized the operations, stating they were designed to "terrify immigrant communities" and were an "excessive show of force."

New Jersey's landscape is heavily populated with warehouses, serving as vital distribution points for the consumer economy. These facilities heavily rely on immigrant labor, making the recent raids a significant concern for industry stakeholders and advocacy groups. Organizations like New Labor and the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice are actively working to support affected workers and address the broader implications of these enforcement actions.