Driver Plows Through Crowd at Anti-ICE Protest in New Jersey, Several Injured

FAIRVIEW, N.J. — July 12, 2025: Chaos erupted at an immigration rally in Fairview on Saturday afternoon when a driver plowed through a crowd of anti-ICE protesters, injuring several people in what authorities describe as a violent escalation following a confrontation.

Linda Roglen, 62, of North Bergen, has been charged with assault by auto resulting in injury and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injuries, according to the Fairview Police Department.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Fairview and Anderson Avenues, where protesters had gathered for a peaceful demonstration. Witnesses say the situation escalated after Roglen and a protester began arguing.

Gabriel Mayen, an employee at a nearby pizza shop, was recording the protest when the confrontation unfolded just outside the window.

“I don’t know what they said, but they just say something to each other and he spits in her face,” Mayen told Eyewitness News.

“What happened next was even more shocking — the driver hit that protester… and then more as the car accelerates.”

Video footage reportedly shows the vehicle accelerating into the crowd, striking multiple people. Fairview Police confirmed that several individuals were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Julio Torres, a protest organizer who was among those injured, told reporters that he had encouraged the protester to walk away after overhearing the driver say, “I love ICE.” He acknowledged that the protester’s act of spitting was unacceptable but emphasized that the driver’s response was dangerously disproportionate.

“If somebody spits at you, you’re supposed to call the cops. You’re not supposed to run them over,” Mayen added.

Police have not yet said whether the protester involved in the initial altercation may also face charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.