On October 29, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) executed a workplace immigration sweep in Avenel, New Jersey, leading to the detention of at least 46 individuals suspected of being undocumented workers. The raid targeted a freight facility, underscoring ongoing enforcement actions to combat unlawful employment and promote legal immigration compliance.
The operation was part of a broader initiative by CBP to strengthen workplace immigration enforcement. Authorities reported that the detainees were primarily from Central American countries, with some suspected of having entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border in recent years. The CBP emphasized that the enforcement action aims to deter employers from hiring undocumented workers and to ensure that all labor practices adhere to U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Local officials and business leaders have expressed mixed reactions to the raid. While some support the federal government’s efforts to enforce immigration law, others have raised concerns about the impact on the local economy and the potential for workplace disruptions. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing immigration enforcement with labor market stability and the rights of undocumented workers.