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DHS Says N.J. School-Bus Rock Attack Suspect Is in U.S. Illegally as ICE Lodges Detainer

Officials tie the case to sanctuary policy disputes after the agency reported his status and sought custody.

Overview

  • Hernando Garcia-Morales, 40, is charged over the Jan. 7 rock thrown into a bus returning to Teaneck, which seriously injured an 8-year-old.
  • State police arrested him Jan. 9 at a Palisades Park homeless encampment, and a judge ordered him held in Bergen County jail.
  • DHS says it does not know when or where he entered the country but cites a criminal history dating to 2006 and arrests in 2023.
  • ICE filed an arrest detainer, and DHS officials criticized New Jersey sanctuary policies they say prevented earlier removal.
  • The child underwent surgery for an orbital fracture and is recovering at home, while investigators review links to other rock-throwing reports.