ICE Plans Expansion Into Affluent Essex County Suburb

Proposed ICE office location sparks backlash from local politicians and advocates

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly planning to lease office space in the affluent Essex County suburb of Roseland, New Jersey, as part of an expansion campaign. The proposed location, near a child care center, has drawn criticism from local politicians and advocates who argue that ICE is not welcome in the community.

Why it matters

The potential ICE expansion into Essex County reflects the agency's ongoing efforts to increase its presence and enforcement activities across the country, which has raised concerns among immigrant rights groups and local officials about the impact on immigrant communities. The proposed Roseland location's proximity to a child care center has also heightened tensions, with critics arguing that ICE's presence could create a climate of fear for families.

The details

According to the report, ICE plans to lease office space at 5 Becker Farm Road in Roseland, which is part of the 280 Corporate Center. The four-story, Class-B office building was recently sold to Aresco Management, a New York-based real estate company. The property currently houses a law firm, a pediatric healthcare provider, and a local nonprofit, with additional office space available for lease. An ICE spokesperson declined to confirm the agency's plans, citing concerns about threats and assaults against its officers.

  • In 2021, the 5 Becker Farm Road property was sold to Aresco Management for $16 million.
  • Earlier this month, the Wired.com report detailing ICE's alleged expansion plans, including the Roseland location, was published.

The players

Analilia Mejia

The Democratic nominee to replace Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey's 11th congressional district, who criticized the reported ICE expansion plans.

Aresco Management

The New York-based real estate company that purchased the 5 Becker Farm Road property in Roseland in 2021.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency that is reportedly planning to lease office space in Roseland as part of an expansion campaign.

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What they’re saying

“ICE is spending $38 billion to open detention centers and field offices all across the country — including right here in Essex County. They want to move into a building in Roseland that's right next to a child care center.”

— Analilia Mejia, Democratic congressional candidate (Patch.com)

“Hell no,”

— Analilia Mejia, Democratic congressional candidate (Patch.com)

“This is all funded by Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' – the same bill that slashed your health care, cut school funding and gutted benefits for working families. Republicans took money out of our pockets to build detention camps next to daycares.”

— Analilia Mejia, Democratic congressional candidate (Patch.com)

What’s next

The proposed ICE office location in Roseland is likely to face continued scrutiny and opposition from local politicians and advocacy groups, who have vowed to fight the agency's expansion plans in the community.

The takeaway

The potential ICE expansion into Essex County reflects the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local communities, particularly in areas with large immigrant populations. The proposed Roseland location's proximity to a child care center has heightened concerns about the impact on families and the overall climate of fear that ICE's presence could create.