The Trenton City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the establishment of any federal immigration detention facilities within the city. The resolution, numbered 26-046, received affirmative votes from all Council members present during the meeting held last week. This decision reflects the council’s growing concern over the potential repercussions of such facilities, which have been associated with chaos and danger in other U.S. cities like Newark, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
Councilwoman Jennifer Williams emphasized the necessity of taking a stand against facilities that could strain local resources. Currently, Trenton has not faced the challenges associated with an immigration detention center, but the council believes that proactive measures are essential. The resolution serves as a statement that Trenton will not bear the burden of a federal issue that does not align with the city’s interests or capabilities.
The potential siting of a federal immigration detention facility in Trenton first emerged in November 2024, when the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) uncovered through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was considering the Albert “Bo” Robinson Treatment Center located at 377 Enterprise Avenue as a possible site. Following this revelation, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman publicly condemned the proposal, bringing further awareness to the issue.
Although the center has not yet been utilized by ICE, the council remains vigilant against the potential ramifications of such a facility. The resolution articulates that federal immigration detention centers are not suitable for densely populated urban areas like Trenton. The city has already been experiencing strains on its law enforcement and emergency services, which would likely be exacerbated by the presence of a detention center.
Statistics reveal the growing scale of ICE operations. In June 2025, there were approximately 50,000 individuals in ICE detention, a figure that surged to 73,000 by January 2026. The increasing number of detainees illustrates the expanding reach of ICE, which has resorted to utilizing local jails and warehouses to accommodate individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from South America, India, and even the United Kingdom. Reports have surfaced about the troubling living conditions within these facilities, raising significant concerns among advocates and local communities.
The resolution adopted by the Trenton City Council also calls for the New Jersey State Legislature to consider measures that would prevent the establishment of federal detention centers in highly populated areas. Council members are hopeful for legislative action that would provide additional support in safeguarding the city from the adverse effects associated with such facilities.
As cities across the United States grapple with similar challenges, including Kansas City and Oklahoma City, it becomes clear that the road ahead may involve intricate legal battles over municipal land use and the extent of local authority over federal initiatives. Trenton’s proactive stance is a reflection of a broader movement among municipalities that are asserting their rights and responsibilities in the face of federal immigration policies.
In conclusion, the Trenton City Council’s resolution underscores a commitment to the well-being of its residents and the preservation of city resources. By formally opposing the siting of federal immigration detention facilities, the council aims to protect Trenton’s community and advocate for a humane approach to immigration issues that aligns with the city’s values.
