Morristown's 10-Day News Roundup: ICE Enforcement, NJTransit Disruptions, St. Patty's Day Parade

From immigration enforcement to a major rail cutover that reshapes commutes, the past 10 days brought a mix of public-safety incidents, government actions, and big transportation disruptions affecting Morristown and Morris County residents. Here's the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of it...

1) Midtown Direct detours: Portal Bridge cutover diverts Morristown Line trains to Hoboken

Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17, NJ Transit’s Midtown Direct service on the Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch is being diverted to Hoboken during the Portal Bridge cutover, a multi-week effort tied to connecting service to the new Portal North Bridge. Riders are being told to plan for modified schedules, earlier departures, longer trips, and potential crowding, with cross-honoring options in Hoboken (PATH, ferry, and bus routes).

Who: NJ Transit riders on the Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch (and also the Montclair-Boonton Line), plus Amtrak riders on the Northeast Corridor.
What: A temporary “Portal Bridge cutover” changes weekday rail service so there is no weekday Midtown Direct service into NY Penn Station for affected lines; trains are diverted to Hoboken instead.
Where: Service impacts run through the Newark–Secaucus–Hoboken/NYC commuter corridor tied to the Portal Bridge area over the Hackensack River in New Jersey.
When: NJ Transit says the Portal Cutover work runs Feb. 15–March 15, 2026, with weekday Midtown Direct diversions beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17 (and Monday, Feb. 16 operating on a cutover weekend schedule).
How/Why: The cutover is part of shifting operations from the aging Portal Bridge to the new Portal North Bridge and connecting new track and interlockings to existing infrastructure; NJ Transit says it will cross-honor weekday tickets for Midtown Direct customers on PATH, the NY Waterway ferry, and NJ Transit’s 126 bus during the diversion period.

2) ICE operation in Morris County: shots fired in Roxbury, state investigation underway

A weapon discharge during an ICE enforcement action in Roxbury Township has drawn public attention and prompted an investigation by New Jersey authorities. Coverage over the past week has focused on what occurred during the attempted detention and the differing accounts surrounding the incident.

Who: Federal immigration enforcement officers (ICE/DHS), the person ICE was attempting to arrest, and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office overseeing a review.
What: A firearm was discharged during a “targeted enforcement” action; federal statements described an officer shooting out a vehicle’s tires during an attempted arrest, while state officials said the incident is under active investigation.
Where: Roxbury Township, Morris County, New Jersey.
When: Reported as occurring on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, with continued reporting and a state-level investigation publicly discussed on Feb. 11.
How/Why: Federal accounts said the situation escalated during an arrest attempt involving a vehicle and an officer; state officials emphasized that the matter is being reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office as details are assessed.

3) Ripple effects in Morristown schools: district outreach after immigration-enforcement concerns

Separate from the Roxbury incident, Morristown-area reporting in early February described how immigration enforcement activity and rumors can affect students and families, including school-district efforts to address concerns and communicate with the community.

Who: Morristown-area students and families, school administrators, and community members tracking immigration enforcement concerns.
What: Local reporting described community anxiety and school-district communication efforts following immigration-enforcement activity and discussion in the region.
Where: Morristown and the surrounding area in Morris County.
When: Coverage published in early February (with follow-up attention as related events unfolded in the county).
How/Why: The dynamic described is that enforcement activity and rumors can ripple into schools, prompting districts to address concerns, clarify what they know, and outline how they handle student safety and family outreach.

4) Federal drug enforcement activity in Morristown: DEA confirms two arrests

The DEA confirmed two arrests following a pre-dawn operation in Morristown on Sunday, Feb. 9, though early reporting indicated limited public detail about the case at that time.

Who: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other participating law-enforcement agencies; two arrestees (described as a man and a woman).
What: A pre-dawn law-enforcement operation in Morristown that resulted in two arrests in a case involving drugs, according to DEA confirmation.
Where: Morristown, New Jersey (specific location not fully detailed publicly in early reporting).
When: Sunday morning, Feb. 9, 2026, with details reported later that day and into the week.
How/Why: Public information remained limited in early accounts; the DEA confirmed the arrests but did not immediately release extensive case details in the initial reporting.

5) Manahan Village police activity: heavy law enforcement presence reported

Residents saw a notable law-enforcement response in Morristown’s Manahan Village in the early morning hours of Feb. 8, according to local reporting.

Who: Multiple law-enforcement agencies and residents in the area; at least one person seen detained in video shared with local media.
What: A notable pre-dawn convergence of law enforcement with guns drawn that appeared to result in an arrest/detention; later updates indicated officials said there was no threat to the public.
Where: Local reporting placed the activity on/near Flagler Street in Morristown (often referenced alongside the Manahan Village area).
When: Early morning hours around 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, according to reporting and police-radio references cited by local media.
How/Why: Video and radio traffic referenced in reporting suggested a coordinated operation; local authorities referred further questions to federal authorities in follow-up, and some details were not immediately disclosed publicly.

6) Black History Month proclamations across local government

Morristown and Morris County officials marked Black History Month with formal proclamations and public messaging, including recognition tied to the 100th anniversary of the first national observance of Black History Week.

Who: The Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Morristown local government, and community organizations recognizing Black history and contributions.
What: Formal proclamations and public observances of Black History Month.
Where: Morris County and Morristown.
When: February 2026 observances; the county noted that 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the first national recognition of Black History Week, established Feb. 12, 1926 by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
How/Why: County messaging connected the month to the national theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” framing the observance as part of a century-long effort to study and elevate African American history, culture, and achievements.

7) “Read Across Morris County 250” launches as a countywide initiative

Morris County announced a new reading initiative connected to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, aiming to encourage residents of different ages to participate through county libraries and selected titles.

Who: The Morris County 250th Anniversary Committee, Commissioner Christine Myers, County College of Morris President Dr. Anthony Iacono, and county residents (families, schools, libraries, book clubs).
What: A countywide reading initiative designed to bring residents together around selected books and shared discussions.
Where: Morris County, through participating community groups and institutions.
When: Announced in mid-February 2026 as part of the county’s build-up toward the nation’s 250th anniversary (2026).
How/Why: Organizers said the program is meant to create multi-generational shared reading experiences that spark discussion about America’s founding and Revolutionary-era themes, using common titles and community participation.

8) Morristown Onstage 2026: finalists announced for the Mayo Performing Arts Center event

Finalists were publicized for Morristown Onstage, a community talent fundraiser tied to the Morris Educational Foundation, with competition scheduled for Feb. 24, 2026, at MPAC.

Who: The Morris Educational Foundation, performers from the Morristown area (including a youth category), and the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC).
What: Announcement of 18-and-under finalists for Morristown ONSTAGE 2026, a local talent fundraiser.
Where: MPAC in Morristown (live event venue).
When: Finalists publicized Feb. 17, 2026; showtime listed as 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
How/Why: The event is presented as a community talent showcase and fundraiser for the Morris Educational Foundation, with a judged competition and prizes tied to the ONSTAGE format.

9) St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County: 2026 “Starter” named, parade date set

Organizers announced the parade’s March 14, 2026, date in Morristown and named Hopatcong resident Peter Ecklund as the year’s parade “Starter,” a ceremonial role tied to kickoff proceedings.

Who: The Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and Peter Ecklund of Hopatcong (named the 2026 “Parade Starter”).
What: Organizers announced a ceremonial parade role (Starter) and confirmed parade logistics for 2026.
Where: Morristown, with step-off at Morristown Town Hall (200 South Street); route proceeds along South Street to the Morristown Green and then along Washington Street to Morristown High School, per the town’s event listing.
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, stepping off at noon.
How/Why: The committee described the Starter role as both an honor and a functional part of launching the parade day proceedings, as preparations continue for one of the county’s largest annual public events.

For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Support your local news!

Bring Meaning Back to the News: Go to TheMinuteman.org to get simple explanations of the trending topics in the news.