Bridgewater Police Debunk Misinformation About ICE Presence

Officials warn social media posts with AI-generated images caused "confusion and public alarm"

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Bridgewater police have clarified that recent social media claims about an ICE presence at a local religious facility were false and stemmed from AI-generated images. The police department stated there is no evidence to support the online reports, and they have been in contact with ICE to be notified of any future enforcement operations in the township. This comes as New Jersey's governor has signed an executive order barring ICE agents from state-owned property.

Why it matters

The spread of misinformation on social media, especially when accompanied by AI-generated images, can create unnecessary fear and disruption within a community. This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, as well as the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement, state governments, and federal immigration authorities.

The details

Bridgewater police said the social media posts with images purporting to show an ICE operation at a 'religious facility' were false and designed to "cause confusion and public alarm." The police department stated there is no evidence to support the claim and that they have been in contact with ICE to be notified of any future enforcement operations in the township. This comes as New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order barring ICE agents from state-owned property, including parks and roadways.

  • On Wednesday, social media posts with AI-generated images claimed an ICE operation was taking place at a religious facility in Bridgewater.
  • A day after the social media posts, the Bridgewater police department issued a statement debunking the claims.
  • Governor Mikie Sherrill recently signed an executive order barring ICE agents from state-owned property in New Jersey.

The players

Bridgewater Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that issued a statement debunking the social media claims about an ICE presence in the township.

Governor Mikie Sherrill

The governor of New Jersey who signed an executive order barring ICE agents from state-owned property, including parks and roadways.

ICE

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, whose increased presence in New Jersey has led to tensions with state and local authorities.

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What they’re saying

“At this time, there is no evidence to support the claim that any federal immigration activity took place at the location referenced online.”

— Bridgewater Police Department (wpgtalkradio.com)

“If you did not personally witness an event, please do not repost or distribute unverified information. The rapid spread of misinformation can create unnecessary fear and disruption within our community.”

— Bridgewater Police Department (wpgtalkradio.com)

What’s next

The Bridgewater police department has stated that they will be notified by ICE of any future enforcement operations within the township.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the dangers of the rapid spread of misinformation, especially when accompanied by AI-generated images, and the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement, state governments, and federal immigration authorities. It underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it to avoid causing unnecessary fear and disruption within a community.