Avenel, NJ – A large-scale federal raid at a freight warehouse in Avenel led to the arrest of 46 undocumented workers this week, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, was part of an ongoing nationwide effort to strengthen immigration enforcement at U.S. workplaces and ensure compliance with federal security regulations.
DHS Conducts Major Operation in Avenel
Authorities confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security, assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, executed a workplace inspection at a federally authorized container freight station in Avenel, New Jersey. During the inspection, agents identified 46 undocumented laborers, representing about 22% of the facility’s total workforce.
All 46 individuals were taken into federal custody and are currently awaiting immigration proceedings, according to DHS officials.
Heavy Law Enforcement Presence Reported
Eyewitnesses described a heavy police presence at the scene, with several federal vehicles and officers in tactical gear surrounding the warehouse. Surveillance footage reportedly captured groups of workers being escorted into waiting vans as the raid unfolded.
Officials stated that the operation was conducted without incident and that no injuries were reported.
DHS Emphasizes National Security and Compliance
In a statement released on Thursday, a DHS spokesperson emphasized that the inspection was part of a broader effort to “safeguard the integrity of the supply chain and verify that warehouse operators are adhering to all applicable security requirements.”
“DHS is committed to maintaining the highest levels of security and accountability within bonded facilities to protect both U.S. commerce and the public,” the spokesperson said.
The agency also noted that bonded facilities—such as freight warehouses and logistics centers—are subject to stringent federal oversight because they handle goods that move through international trade channels.
Employer Under Investigation
While DHS did not identify the company operating the Avenel warehouse, officials confirmed that investigators are reviewing employment records and internal compliance procedures to determine whether the employer may face penalties for hiring undocumented workers.
If violations of federal employment or security laws are found, the company could face civil fines or criminal charges under U.S. immigration law.
Follows Nationwide Immigration Enforcement Trend
This recent raid in New Jersey follows a similar high-profile federal operation nearly two months ago at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia, where 475 individuals, primarily South Korean nationals, were detained for suspected immigration violations.
The back-to-back enforcement actions suggest an intensified national focus on workplace immigration compliance, with DHS targeting industries that rely heavily on foreign labor or bonded supply chain facilities.
Investigation Ongoing
The Department of Homeland Security has not released further details about the employer’s potential liability or whether additional arrests are expected. Officials emphasized that these types of inspections will continue across the country as part of DHS’s commitment to upholding federal labor and security standards.
What are your thoughts on this workplace raid in New Jersey? Do you think DHS is right to tighten immigration enforcement at worksites, or should they focus on employers instead? Share your opinions in the comments below!
