Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. has issued a statement on behalf of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, criticizing the Trump Administration’s use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in local communities.
“It’s been one year since Trump has taken office and he has used his time in office to the sow the seeds of discontent and division throughout this country and one of his main tools for that has been Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Right now, as Gov. Sherrill has stated, Trump is using ICE as his own personal militia, and they have been terrorizing communities throughout the nation including here in Camden County. These agents have showed up in places like Camden City, Haddon Township, and Lindenwold Borough, and have indiscriminately worked to undermine the rule of law while simultaneously stopping individuals without cause and arbitrarily arresting them. We have watched videos of ICE officers with masks up, no body-worn cameras, wearing tactical gear roaming the streets in unmarked vehicles in search of their targets- our residents. This is why I am joining with our Congressman, Donald Norcross, and calling for the impeachment of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem,” Cappelli said.
Cappelli referenced recent incidents across U.S. cities: “It’s clear by what we’ve been watching in Minneapolis and other cities throughout the nation that it doesn’t matter if you are U.S. citizen or not, anyone can be the target of ICE. Two U.S. citizens have been killed in Minneapolis just in the last three weeks, scenes that would never occur in Camden, because the Camden County Police Department has become a national model in protecting the sanctity of life, not taking it from innocent demonstrators.”
He emphasized local policy regarding federal immigration enforcement: “That said, there are couple of important aspects to where we live and why it is important when it comes to ICE enforcement. First, under the state Immigrant Trust Directive the Camden County Police Department will not work or coordinate with federal ICE agents. In addition, years ago we stopped honoring ICE retainers in our correctional system, and most importantly we are working with the state under a new law that will create safe zones throughout our community. I applaud Gov. Murphy for signing this bill and establishing havens at schools, churches, attorney offices, and healthcare providers, where ICE cannot enter unless they have a judicial warrant.”
Camden County operates through a seven-member Board of Commissioners who manage legislative and executive duties across 37 municipalities within southern New Jersey (source). The county provides public safety services among others to support its more than 500,000 residents (source).
Cappelli highlighted policing outcomes: “As for us here in Camden County, we have worked to develop a national model when it comes to front line policing that has cut homicides by 82% over the last 12 years, boosted solve rates and cut violent crime by almost 55% in the same period. We have done this by relying on unity policing with our community and working hand and hand with our stakeholders and clergy. We have relied on the common fabric that binds us together and have been adamant that every life matters in Camden County. This model of policing was adamantly praised by President Barack Obama, who felt the need to visit Camden City to underscore its effectiveness and efficiency to rebuild communities.”
He also acknowledged Congressman Donald Norcross’ legislative efforts: “In addition, I want to thank Congressman Donald Norcross for his work introducing the Trust Through Transparency Act which would establish a body-worn camera program for ICE. His concerns are like all of ours; if an American citizen is shot and killed by agents they should be wearing cameras for accountability… I would also remind ICE that every officer at CCPD has been wearing cameras since 2015.”
Cappelli concluded by warning about broader impacts: “Nevertheless,the actions by Trumpand ICE…are undermining front line policing everywhere.This ultimately will make our community unsafe because individuals livingin fear will no longer feel safe callingthe CCPD if they become avictimof crime.In general,we are all infavorof criminals being taken off thestreetand justice being served–no matter what your citizenship status might be.That said,manyof theseICE operationsare breakingup families…impactinglife throughoutour diverseandinclusive neighborhoods.This nationis facing troubled timesandas neighborswe mustwork togetherto voice ouroppositionto thismilitiaand demandaccountabilityfromTrumpandhis administration.”
Camden County continues providing public safety services along with health programs,and infrastructure maintenance while collaboratingwith partners at various government levels (source).
