The proposed ICE processing center dominated the meeting, with numerous residents voicing their apprehensions and urging the council to take a firm stance against its establishment. He stressed the potential emotional toll on children worrying about the fate of their parents and emphasized the power of public opposition, urging the council to clearly state their positions.

Citing lawsuits and documented human rights violations, Corey Herbig from Parsippany highlighted the inhumane conditions often prevalent in ICE detention centers. He described issues such as overcrowding and medical neglect, arguing that these factors should deter Roxbury from hosting the facility. Herbig’s comments underscored the broader implications of such a center on the township’s resources and reputation.

Another resident, Alex Rickard, drew attention to the financial strain the facility could impose on local infrastructure, arguing that the economic justification for its presence was inadequate compared to the moral arguments against it. He criticized dehumanizing perspectives on deportation, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of individuals.

Kathleen Shay, a naturalized citizen from Belleville, shared her personal fears about ICE’s impact on her community and safety. She noted the potential for racial profiling and raised concerns about the implications for immigrant students and churchgoers.

Julie Moreno recounted her personal experience with the immigration system, including her husband’s self-deportation following detention. She shared harrowing accounts of abuses within detention facilities, framing the establishment of such centers as an endorsement of human rights violations. Moreno’s story highlighted the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on families by the detention process.

Diana May, a longtime Roxbury resident, emphasized the necessity for local voices in the debate. She vowed to remain engaged in council meetings and planned to protest to oppose the facility actively. May’s commitment echoed the broader community’s determination to resist the proposed development.

Cynthia Gallota from South Orange described her experiences at Delaney Hall in Newark, highlighting the inadequate conditions and emotional distress faced by detainees and their families. Representing a coalition called Eyes on Ice, she pleaded against the establishment of a similar facility in Roxbury, questioning if the town wanted to be complicit in a dehumanizing system.

Carrie Stetler from Parsippany expressed concerns about the increased ICE presence in Morris County and its implications for local families. She urged the council to take a vocal stance against the facility, mirroring actions taken by other towns.

Shaina Germansky, a special education teacher, shared her concerns for families living in fear due to their immigration status. She recounted the distress faced by a friend’s detained fiancé, highlighting the psychological toll on individuals. Germansky argued that those seeking a better life deserve compassion rather than fear.

Ardith Collins invoked historical parallels to emphasize the dangers of inaction, urging the council to oppose the facility. She referenced Pastor Martin Niemöller’s words about the consequences of silence in the face of persecution, calling for courage from the council members.

As public comments concluded, the council received a strong message from the community regarding the need to address the facility’s potential implications for Roxbury residents. The meeting then transitioned to less contentious matters, including the swearing-in of newly elected council members Jim Riley, Mark Crowley, and Bob DeFillippo. Each member took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and New Jersey and to faithfully perform their duties.

The council also unanimously elected a new mayor and deputy mayor for 2026. The new mayor expressed optimism for the coming year, reflecting on the township’s achievements in 2025, including a 0% municipal tax increase and significant investments in infrastructure and community facilities. He emphasized the importance of community volunteers and expressed gratitude for the dedication of the township’s staff and municipal departments.