a day ago
Westwood police refutes misinformation about ICE raids that caused 'hysteria'
WESTWOOD ― Amidst the backdrop of nationwide protests over the Trump Administration's deportation tactics, police are investigating a "misinformation campaign" about immigration raids in the borough purportedly taking place on June 13 that, authorities said, was intended to create "a level of hysteria in our community."
The false campaign, police said in a Facebook post, began when an individual pretending to be with the Westwood police contacted a local church claiming that immigration raids would take place on June 13, police officials said.
"The Police Department did not contact the church and pass that alleged information along," police said, adding that they were investigating "the source of a misinformation campaign that was aimed at creating a level of hysteria in our community."
"This misinformation spread like wildfire," wrote the Westwood PD, noting that the church was not responsible for spreading the report.
Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo shared the PD's post, writing: "WWPD dispels some troubling rumors being shared."
The Trump Administration crackdown on immigration since taking office in January has lead to protests around the country, including the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles. In early May, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and later New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver was indicted following a confrontation at a Newark ICE facility.
The Westwood Police Department cited the state's Immigrant Trust Directive issued in 2018 and the recent directive by the New Jersey Attorney General that "limits the types of voluntary assistance that New Jersey's law enforcement officers may provide to federal immigration authorities."
The Westwood police issued a warning to those sharing information online.
"Although tensions may be high around the world or locally, remember to assess, scrutinize and evaluate information you receive before hitting the send button to share it. If you question the veracity of information that you received, contact the police department to assist and guide you," the police wrote. "Please make sure to 'Take care before you share!!'"
Anyone with information about the source of the misinformation is asked to contact Detective Joseph Pavone at jpavone@ or call the Westwood police at 201-664-7000.
This article originally appeared on Westwood NJ police dispels rumors about ICE raids
