Edison, NJ – July 9, 2025 – A significant immigration enforcement operation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Alba Wine and Spirits warehouse in Edison on Tuesday morning resulted in the detention of 15 employees, sparking concerns among immigrant advocates and highlighting the complex stance of local authorities on federal immigration actions.
According to reports, approximately 30 federal agents swarmed the Alba Wine and Spirits property, located in the Heller Industrial Park, demanding identification from employees. Those who could prove their legal status were reportedly given wristbands and allowed to continue working. However, individuals without proper identification were zip-tied and transported in waiting vans. Relatives of those detained were later informed that their loved ones were being taken to either the detention center in Elizabeth or Delaney Hall in Newark.
One employee, identified only as Diego, recounted a distressing experience to News 12. Despite being cleared after his identification was checked, Diego claimed agents “dragged me out of my car when I was in the middle of my break. They were pushing me, they were harassing me. When I told them to keep their distance, they pushed me on the floor and handcuffed me.” He further stated, “They let me go because they had to, but they were just harassing people for no reason. People over here are only working. Nobody is here doing anything bad.”
While the raid was underway, immigrant advocates gathered at the entrance of the warehouse, urging employees arriving for work to stay away. Federal agents reportedly vacated the premises by noon.
Edison Township spokeswoman Ashley M. Chaudhry confirmed that the Edison Police Department was informed of the raid. “Our police department was notified that Immigration Enforcement would be in the area today. No further detailed information was provided. Our officers adhere to the current guidelines, specifically Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-6v2, which does not permit our police department to be involved in ICE operations.”
This is contrary to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi’s previous stance on immigration. In 2024, Mayor Joshi told News 12 “I want to make it clear that our position here in Edison Township is that they’re not welcome here, they are illegal, and they belong on the other side of the border.” At that time, Joshi had reportedly instructed the police chief to hire buses to transport migrants back to the Mexican border, signaling a stark contrast to the state’s directive on local police involvement in immigration matters. Mayor Joshi and his Chief of Staff, Bob Diehl, did not respond to requests for comment regarding Tuesday’s raid.
“I am shocked to hear a mayor of Edison, New Jersey say anything negative about immigrants,” said Reverend Seth Kaper-Dale of the Reformed Church of Highland Park in 2024. “New Jersey is the fifth-highest recipient of immigrants – California, Texas, Florida, New York and New Jersey…That’s something that we should be proud of and we sure as heck ought to be ready about how we feel about immigrants coming into our state.”
The recent raid at the Alba Wine and Spirits warehouse starkly highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local jurisdictions striving to build trust with their immigrant communities. The events in Edison serve as a potent reminder of the human impact of such operations and the varied approaches to immigration at different levels of government.
In the wake of this significant federal action, many residents are now seeking clarity on Mayor Sam Joshi’s potential involvement and are questioning why he has remained publicly silent on the raid, especially given his previously vocal stance on immigration matters and his past directives regarding the bussing of migrants from other areas.
