Trenton Auto Shop Raid Sparks Calls for Review

Immigrant rights group demands transparency after U.S. Marshals, ICE detain 3 workers

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A law enforcement operation at a Trenton auto repair shop last week resulted in the arrest of three immigrant workers, sparking concerns from an immigrant rights group about excessive force and due process violations. U.S. Marshals Service agents, assisted by Trenton police, executed an arrest warrant for one individual wanted for assault and other charges, but also detained two other workers with no criminal records, according to the group Resistencia en Accion.

Why it matters

The incident raises questions about the coordination between local police and federal immigration authorities, as well as concerns over civil liberties and the treatment of immigrant workers. It comes as New Jersey has sought to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE under the state's Immigrant Trust Directive.

The details

On February 20, U.S. Marshals and Trenton police went to Agudo's Repair Shop to arrest Eduardo Reyes, who was wanted for assault, leaving the scene of an accident, and other charges. Reyes was captured at a nearby gas station, but two other workers at the shop were also detained and turned over to ICE. Resistencia en Accion said the two additional workers had no criminal records and were denied due process. The group also alleged that agents used excessive force, with surveillance video showing an officer pressing a man's face against a shelf.

  • On February 20, 2026, U.S. Marshals and Trenton police conducted the operation at Agudo's Repair Shop.
  • Earlier in February 2026, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill launched a 'Know Your Rights' portal for residents to report ICE activity.

The players

Eduardo Reyes

An individual wanted by police for assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident, and other charges.

Resistencia en Accion

An immigrant rights group that held a press conference and raised concerns about the law enforcement operation and treatment of the workers.

Ana Paola Pazmino

The executive director of Resistencia en Accion.

Reed Gusciora

The mayor of Trenton, who stated that the U.S. Marshals Service turned the detained workers over to ICE without the involvement of the Trenton Police Department.

Mikie Sherrill

The governor of New Jersey, who launched a 'Know Your Rights' portal for residents to report ICE activity.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The immigrant rights group Resistencia en Accion is calling on local officials to conduct a full and transparent review of the law enforcement operation and any coordination between police and ICE.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, as well as concerns over civil liberties and the treatment of immigrant workers, especially in light of New Jersey's efforts to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.