Urgent: ICE Arrests Three Workers at Trenton Auto Shop, Calls for Investigation

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, three immigrant workers were arrested during a law enforcement operation at Agudo’s Repair Shop in Trenton, New Jersey, on February 20, 2026. The incident has sparked immediate calls for an investigation into the tactics used by federal agents, raising serious concerns about their conduct in the community.

The operation, carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from local police, targeted Eduardo Reyes, who was wanted for multiple criminal charges, including assault and leaving the scene of an accident. Reyes was apprehended at a nearby gas station after fleeing the shop, where two additional individuals were also taken into custody. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora stated that these arrests were made without the involvement of local police, emphasizing the need for clarity on the cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

During a press conference on Friday morning, Ana Paola Pazmino, executive director of immigrant rights group Resistencia en Accion, expressed alarm over the presence of federal agents in the community. She reported that law enforcement officers were seen wearing vests marked “Police” and “Marshals,” which she argues creates confusion about their true identity and purpose.

Pazmino detailed an incident caught on surveillance video, where one man was violently arrested, stating, “officers forcefully pressed a man with his face against an industrial chemical shelf.” She condemned this as an excessive use of power and highlighted the lack of due process for the two individuals who had no criminal records.

The community is reeling from the impact of these arrests. A woman named Andrea, whose husband Christian was detained, spoke tearfully about the fear and uncertainty facing her family. Holding her 1-year-old daughter, she described Christian as a caring father who did nothing wrong, asking, “why was he taken?”

Rev. Erich Kussman of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church, where the press conference was held, voiced solidarity with the affected families, stating, “I want you to know that we will stand with you, and we will do what we can to protect you.” His remarks reflect a growing sentiment in the community against federal immigration enforcement that he believes undermines Christian values.

As the situation develops, Governor Mikie Sherrill has launched a new online portal where residents can report ICE activity, aiming to hold agents accountable and ensure transparency. This initiative comes amid a backdrop of increasing immigration enforcement actions in New Jersey, prompting lawmakers to propose several bills aimed at expanding protections for immigrant communities.

Pazmino and her organization are calling for a thorough investigation into the actions taken during this operation, urging local officials to clarify any coordination between police and ICE. “Our local government has the responsibility to protect the people who live and work in this community,” she asserted.

The community remains on high alert as they navigate the implications of this incident. With fears of increased immigration enforcement, many are rallying together, emphasizing the need for support among immigrant and non-immigrant families alike. The emotional toll on families is significant, and as the fallout continues, local leaders are being urged to take a stand against what many are calling “kidnappings” by federal agents.

As developments unfold, the situation is drawing attention from various advocacy groups and lawmakers alike, who are watching closely to see how local authorities respond to these urgent calls for justice and accountability. The coming days will be critical in determining the next steps for affected families and the community as a whole.