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N.J. high school principal threatened discipline against students taking part in ICE protest, students say

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N.J. high school principal threatened discipline against students taking part in ICE protest, students say


Tensions are high in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where some families say the school board is ignoring their concerns about increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the community.

At a heated meeting on Thursday night, community members called out administrators by name and demanded action.

Accusations made against Elizabeth High School principal

While the frustrations are district-wide, a large portion of the complaints surround Elizabeth High School, where students allege the principal threatened discipline against students who joined a demonstration against ICE earlier this month.

“It got really bad when the kids wanted to protest against ICE. My daughter was telling me that they were making posters, at their own time, at the lunch. They weren’t interrupting anybody. They were doing it in their own space and that he started threatening them, telling them that ICE was going to come and get them,” one parent said.

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There is no verified video or audio of those alleged comments, and a district spokesperson told CBS News New York’s Naomi Ruchim no students were disciplined and no such threats were made.

“Those that are spreading rumors or half-truths or mistruths are only exacerbating the nervousness within the community,” Elizabeth Public Schools spokesperson Pat Politano said.

He also said the district does have a clear policy regarding ICE agents.

“No ICE agent, no federal agent is allowed to enter any one of our schools without a judicial warrant signed by a federal judge,” Politano said.

Parents left with more questions than answers

After an hour of public comment, current parents and former students left the Elizabeth Public Schools board meeting frustrated and demanding more.

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Parents said there’s little to no clear protocol on how schools are protecting students — and their families — from ICE agents who many have witnessed in their community.

“Complicity doesn’t always wear a ski mask or a badge, but they sit up here and they have plaques that say board of education president and superintendent of schools. You guys are just as complicit as the next,” former student Diana Tabor said.

Parents say they will continue pushing for action.

“I’m asking for the board to step up and do something about it,” Paola Aleman said.

“I would like to see guidelines. I would like to see protocols. I would like them to invite the community and tell them exactly what the steps are, what the teachers and the principals are responsible for,” a parent said.

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Though families are at odds with administrators in Elizabeth, both sides agree that tensions and fear are at an all-time high.



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New Jersey

World Cup match to impact NJ Transit service during rush hour

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World Cup match to impact NJ Transit service during rush hour


NEW YORK (WABC) — Commuters are being warned to plan ahead Monday as the FIFA World Cup match between Norway and Senegal at MetLife Stadium is expected to create significant travel disruptions during the evening rush hour.

City officials have issued a Gridlock Alert Day for Monday, citing the 8 p.m. kickoff, expected heavy traffic and the potential for severe weather, including strong thunderstorms and heavy rain.

The biggest impact will be felt at Penn Station, where NJ Transit service to New Jersey will be restricted beginning at 3:20 p.m.

From 3:20 p.m. until 7:01 p.m., New Jersey-bound trains departing Penn Station and Secaucus Junction will be reserved exclusively for World Cup ticket holders traveling to MetLife Stadium. Fans must have both a match ticket and an NJ Transit ticket to board.

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That means regular commuters heading home to New Jersey during that time will need to find alternate transportation, including PATH trains, ferries or buses.

Officials are encouraging commuters who normally rely on NJ Transit to leave earlier in the day if possible.

Round-trip NJ Transit tickets to MetLife Stadium are still available for $98. However, all 12,000 seats on shuttle buses departing from Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Columbus Circle have sold out for Monday’s match.

Street closures around Penn Station will also begin no later than 2 p.m. to accommodate security screening and fan queues. Officials say 33rd Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues and 32nd Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues will remain closed until after 8 p.m., while 33rd Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues is expected to reopen after 1 a.m.

The restrictions mirror what travelers experienced during last week’s World Cup match, when thousands of fans packed transit hubs across the region.

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NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri thanked city officials for helping manage crowds around Penn Station.

“I’m so grateful to the City of New York and Mayor Mamdani for setting up a great system outside Penn Station to process the fans from a security standpoint,” Kolluri said.

He also urged commuters to remain patient as the region hosts the international tournament.

“My one ask is that this is a very amazing opportunity for the region and for the state of New Jersey. I know commuters have busy lives and they are trying to earn a living. We’re asking for a little patience,” Kolluri said.

Officials say NJ Transit transported more than 26,000 fans during the June 16 World Cup match, with additional crowds expected for Monday night’s game.

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Drivers are also being warned to expect significant delays near MetLife Stadium, particularly along Route 3.

City officials continue to encourage residents and visitors to walk, bike or use public transportation whenever possible.

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New Jersey

3 killed after plane taking off from NJ crashes near Maryland homes

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3 killed after plane taking off from NJ crashes near Maryland homes


Three people were killed when a small plane taking off from New Jersey crashed into a neighborhood in Maryland, according to authorities.

A Piper PA-28 carrying a pilot and two passengers plummeted into a residential area in Bowie around midnight on Sunday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and Maryland State Police.

A Piper PA-28 carrying a pilot and two passengers plummeted into a residential area in Bowie around midnight on Sunday. Channel4

The possible training flight was en route from Ocean City, New Jersey, to Montgomery County Airport in Gaithersburg when the plane suddenly crashed in a wooded area close to homes, Elena Russo, spokesperson for the Maryland State Police, said at a press conference on Sunday.

The pilot and two passengers, who were all adults, were pronounced dead on the scene.

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Emergency responders rushed to search for the plane after receiving an alert of a possible crash nearby, but were unable to reach the wreckage until roughly 3:45 a.m., cops said.


Landing gear wheel of a plane.
Officials believe the plane belongs to a Montgomery County flight school and was “possibly participating in a training flight.” Channel4

Officials believe the plane belongs to a Montgomery County flight school and was “possibly participating in a training flight,” Russo said.

Photos captured debris from the single-engine plane strewn near a playground in the city, less than 20 miles from Washington, DC.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash.



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New Jersey

Gun shots fired in Greenwich Township NJ, police investigating

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Gun shots fired in Greenwich Township NJ, police investigating


WARREN CO., N.J. – Greenwich Township New Jersey police are investigating reports of gunshots fired Saturday in the community of Upper Stewartsville.

According to a Greenwich Township Police Facebook post, shots were heard in the area of Prospect and Beacon Streets just before 8 p.m..

Police recovered evidence that a shooting occurred, however no victims were found. 

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The investigation remains active, but police say there is no immediate threat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police department at 908-454-1010.



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