Trenton to Hold Business Briefing on Immigration Enforcement Impacts

Trenton will host a community meeting Thursday to address concerns about how Immigration & Customs Enforcement activities are affecting local businesses and commerce.

The Merchant & Community Stakeholder Briefing will take place February 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Jesus Christ is the Lord Wesleyan Church, 25 Howell Street, according to city officials.

ICE activities have caused a reduction in foot traffic to local restaurants, food stores, and other Trenton businesses, officials said. Restaurant owners report an uptick in home delivery but not significant enough to provide consistent profits.

City officials said the concerns about ICE presence prompted them to take action by organizing the informational session.

The city is convening the meeting “in response to recent federal immigration enforcement activity and the concerns raised by local businesses, employees, and customers,” according to officials. The session aims to share verified information, reduce misinformation, reinforce due process protections, and support economic stability across Trenton’s neighborhoods.

The meeting will serve as an initial listening and information-sharing session for merchants and community stakeholders, officials said.

Topics scheduled for discussion include the scope of known ICE activity in Trenton and impacts on employees, customers, and local foot traffic. The session will also cover “Know Your Rights” guidance for business owners, workers, and patrons.

Officials plan to discuss the role of the Trenton Police Department and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Initiative. The briefing will also address how to report concerns, incidents, or questions.

The city encourages small business owners, business associations, faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates to attend the meeting.

The church venue is located off Liberty Street in Trenton.

For additional information, residents and business owners are encouraged to attend the meeting, city officials said.

The briefing represents the city’s effort to address economic disruptions caused by federal immigration enforcement in the area. Local businesses have expressed concerns about the impact on their operations and customer base as ICE activities continue in the region.

The meeting format suggests city officials plan to gather input from affected business owners and community members while providing information about resources and protections available to them.

Faith leaders, nonprofit organizations and business associations are specifically invited to participate in the discussion, indicating the city’s recognition that immigration enforcement affects multiple sectors of the community.

The timing of the meeting, scheduled for Thursday evening, appears designed to accommodate business owners and workers who may not be available during regular business hours.

City officials have not specified how long the meeting will last or whether additional sessions are planned based on Thursday’s discussion.