Saturday, February 21st, 2026

Bloomfield Barrio Walk Draws Nearly 100 with Andy Kim, Analilia Mejia, and Make the Road NJ to Protest ICE and Stand in Solidarity

For livestream of the speeches and walk, click here and here

The walk began at Berkeley Elementary School, where U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Analilia Mejia, and Executive Director of Make the Road New Jersey Nedia Morsy addressed participants convened before heading down Bloomfield Avenue in protest of ICE. They also engaged directly with small business owners. Canvassers distributed bilingual “Know Your Rights” materials in English and Spanish, along with signage and resource guides to help businesses understand their rights when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The event concluded at The Green at Bloomfield, where more speakers addressed the crowd and emphasized solidarity, preparedness, and community empowerment.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim said, “We don’t want ICE here. We don’t want them in Roxbury. We don’t want Delaney Hall. We don’t want Elizabeth Detention facility. We don’t want people profiting off of human misery and threatening our immigrant communities.”

Analilia Mejia said, “In this moment of rising authoritarianism, when masked ICE agents terrorize our neighborhoods and target our neighbors, we have to look out for one another. Our safety depends on our solidarity. When we organize together, we are stronger than state-sanctioned violence. A rising tide lifts all boats and together, we can win. It’s time to abolish ICE and protect our communities.”

Executive Director of Make the Road New Jersey, Nedia Morsy, said, “Knowledge is power, so we’re making sure everyone knows how to stay safe if ICE shows up to kidnap our neighbors. We all have rights in this country that no one can take away, and we all have each other. Community is the strongest protection we have right now.”

In addition to U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Analilia Mejia, and Make the Road New Jersey Executive Director Nedia Morsy, the event was joined by Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell and State Senator Britnee Timberlake.

Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell said, “I want to thank Make the Road for organizing today’s peaceful and impactful event. It was inspiring to see community partners and elected officials standing united in our mission to protect human rights and uphold our democratic values. Now more than ever, we must remain steadfast in celebrating our diversity and ensuring that every neighbor feels protected and supported. Our strength lies in our unity and our unwavering commitment to the rights of all.”

State Senator Britnee Timberlake said, “Analilia is a fighter; she is a warrior. We have been in battles together on behalf of working people and on behalf of our state, and I know she is the right person to send to Congress to continue fighting for people because she will win the fight against ICE. She will win the fight against fascism. She will win the fight against racism, and she will help unite our nation again and get rid of the division that has been sown by the federal government.”

Throughout the afternoon, residents packed the streets, applauded speakers, and joined canvassers in visiting storefronts, underscoring broad community engagement and support for immigrant-owned businesses.

Canvassers visited the following establishments: Columbus Urgent Care; Earl Kusnierz, DO – Bloomfield Gynecology; Footcare 2 You; Original Deli and Grocery; Lynnes Nissan Parts & Service; Lynnes Subaru; Jackson Hewitt Tax Services; Pupusas to Go Latin Food; M & G Fabricators; Center for Dentistry of Bloomfield; Lynnes Hyundai; On Target Staffing; Minia’s Breakfast and Lunch; Bell’s Security Sales; Shell Gas Station; Belizaire & Associates; Cassandra T Savoy PC; Serenity Senior Care; Kindersmile Foundation; Provident Bank; AT&T Wireless; Professional Physical Therapy; Brandon’s Coffee Shop; 99C Dreams; Gloria’s Bar & Grill; BGR Burgers Grilled Right; Sherwin-Williams Paints; Impact Beauty Salon; The Curlective Salon; Saxon de la Martina; Last Stop Barber Shop; Havana Sandwich Cafe; Maria’s Spanish Cafe; Angels Express; and The Goods – Smokeshop.

For more videos of the event, click here for Make the Road Action New Jersey Facebook Live.