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Union City Today
By the People, for the People
ICE Agents Detain 2 Men Near New Jersey Church
Arrests captured on video spark outrage from local leaders
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Two men were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near a church in Union City, New Jersey on Sunday. The arrests were captured on video by a resident and have sparked outrage from local leaders, who say the agents were conducting targeted surveillance and that places of worship should be off-limits for immigration enforcement.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and the immigrant community, particularly around the issue of ICE agents conducting arrests near sensitive locations like churches. This case raises questions about the boundaries of immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented immigrants.
The details
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE agents were conducting targeted surveillance for more than a mile before the stop and arrested Emilio Ruiz-Esquivel, an El Salvadoran who was issued a final order of removal after failing to show up for his immigration hearing. The other man detained, Oscar Leonel Telong Gonzalez, is a Guatemalan who entered the U.S. illegally. The arrests, though peaceful, left the pastor's wife in tears and members of the congregation scared.
- The arrests took place on Sunday, February 16, 2026 near the Cristiana Dios De Amor Church in Union City, New Jersey.
The players
Emilio Ruiz-Esquivel
An El Salvadoran man who was issued a final order of removal after failing to show up for his immigration hearing.
Oscar Leonel Telong Gonzalez
A Guatemalan man who entered the U.S. illegally.
Laura Nolasco
A resident who captured the arrests on video.
Robert Menendez Jr.
A Congressman who serves the district where the arrests took place.
Mercedes Cruz
The pastor's wife, who was left in tears by the arrests.
What they’re saying
“The fact that this happened yesterday outside of church is outrageous and should enrage every single American.”
— Robert Menendez Jr., Congressman (CBS News)
“It's very hard ... very hard ... it's good guys.”
— Mercedes Cruz, Pastor's wife (CBS News)
“The members, from what I know, were crying and praying, and we are still praying for them because there is a God out there that is going to take care of this.”
— Miguel Flores, Pastor's son (CBS News)
What’s next
Congressman Menendez said he is working with the community to ensure people know their rights when it comes to ICE enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security urged those in the U.S. illegally to take advantage of an offer of $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and immigrant communities, particularly around the issue of ICE agents conducting arrests near sensitive locations like places of worship. It raises questions about the boundaries of immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented immigrants.
