MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight adopted a special resolution proclaiming February as Black History Month, recognizing the lasting contributions of African Americans to the nation, the state of New Jersey and the local community.

The 2026 observance marks the 100^th anniversary of the first national recognition of Black History Week, established on February 12, 1926, by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, author and educator widely known as the “Father of Black History”. This year’s national theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” honors a century of efforts to study, preserve and elevate African American history, culture and achievements.

“Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments and lasting impact of our African American leaders and residents,” said Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. “Black History Month gives us an opportunity not only to celebrate those contributions, but also to reflect on their significance in shaping our community and our country.”

Morris County’s efforts to preserve and share Black history continue throughout the year.

In 2024, the Morris County Historical Society launched the county’s first comprehensive survey of African American history and historic sites, making Morris County only the second county in New Jersey to undertake such a project. The multi-phase initiative aims to document significant locations across the county to deepen public understanding of the region’s African American heritage.

The Historical Society was recently awarded a $125,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to complete the countywide survey. The grant required a formal partnership with the County of Morris, bringing together the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation and the Morris County Heritage Commission as official partners.

The Planning and Preservation office is serving as the project’s lead county partner, with support from the Heritage Commission. Both entities advance historic preservation through documentation initiatives such as the county’s Cultural Resources Survey program, which identifies and evaluates historic and cultural assets, including sites associated with African American history and the United States Colored Troops.

The Heritage Commission also continues to safeguard important historical records.

In 2024, the County of Morris administration recovered five 19^th-century manumission documents related to the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Morris County. The documents are now preserved within the county archive, ensuring they remain accessible as part of the public record.

Planning is also underway for the sixth annual Juneteenth reception at the Morris County Administration and Records Building in Morristown. The event will feature Art in the Atrium’s 34th annual exhibit of African American fine art. Since 1992, Art in the Atrium has displayed African American artwork on the second through fifth floors of the Administration and Records Building, reflecting the county’s ongoing commitment to celebrating Black history and culture.

The Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to use February as an opportunity to learn more about African American history and to recognize the resilience, achievements and cultural contributions that have shaped Morris County and the nation.

To learn more about Black History Month, visit blackhistorymonth.gov.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Department of Homeland Security said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired his weapon during an attempted immigration arrest Tuesday morning in Roxbury after a suspect allegedly rammed a law enforcement vehicle.

According to DHS, officers were conducting a targeted arrest of Jesus Fabian Lopez-Banegas, a Honduran national with prior drug-related charges and a removal order issued in 2021. Authorities said Lopez-Banegas attempted to flee, striking a law enforcement vehicle and nearly hitting an officer with his pickup truck. In response, the officer fired at the vehicle’s tires to stop the threat. No injuries were reported, and Lopez-Banegas was taken into ICE custody.

The incident occurred on Kings Road in the Landing section of Roxbury. Video aired by News 12 showed a man exiting a pickup truck while a plainclothes officer pointed a firearm at him. The truck was stopped in front of an unmarked sedan. Click here to view News 12 story.

Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is conducting an independent investigation into the firearm discharge. She asked anyone with video or information to contact the office at 1-844-OPIA-TIP. Local authorities, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office, assisted in securing the scene.

DHS stated that assaults and vehicle attacks against its officers have sharply increased in recent years. The incident comes amid continued public debate and protests over proposed ICE operations and detention facilities in New Jersey.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Democrats are beginning to unite behind Analilia Mejia following her victory in the Thursday, February 5 special primary election to fill the seat vacated by Governor Mikie Sherrill in Congress. However, the term she is seeking expires on January 3, 2027, and she could still face a challenge within her own party for a full two-year term in the June primary.

Mejia, a former political director for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who endorsed her candidacy, secured the Democratic nomination with less than 30 percent of the approximately 64,000 votes cast. As of Tuesday, February 10, she held a 1.4 percent lead over Tom Malinowski, with ballots still being counted.

“I’m so excited to be able to say we did it,” Mejia told supporters gathered in Montclair. “The lesson coming out of this race is people power can win.”

How Morris County voted:

1. Tom MALINOWSKI — 8,562
2. Analilia MEJIA — 6,802
3. Tahesha WAY — 4,690
4. Brendan W. GILL — 2,052
5. Justin STRICKLAND — 1,147
6. Zachary (Zach) BEECHER — 909
7. Jeff GRAYZEL — 872
8. John BARTLETT — 633
9. Anna Lee WILLIAMS — 304
10. Cammie L. CROFT — 279
11. J-L CAUVIN — 103
12. Dean DAFIS — 83
13. Marc CHAABAN — 65
14. Write-In Totals — 37

Malinowski conceded on Tuesday and said he looked forward to “supporting her in the April general election.” The former congressman from the neighboring 7th District did not indicate whether he would support Mejia for a full term, nor did he rule out entering the regular June primary himself.

Mejia, a Glen Ridge resident, prevailed over a field of more than a dozen Democratic candidates. Party insiders had largely viewed the contest as a showdown between Malinowski and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, who ultimately finished fourth.

In the April 16 special general election, Mejia will face Republican Joe Hathaway, the former mayor of Randolph, who ran unopposed in his primary, and independent candidate Alan Bond. The 11th Congressional District, which includes portions of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties, was drawn to favor a Democratic candidate.

The primary election for the full two-year term beginning next January will take place in June. The filing deadline is Monday, March 23.

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport confirmed that her office is actively investigating an incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations in Roxbury Township in which a firearm was discharged.

According to the statement released by the Office of the Attorney General, there are no known injuries at this time. Local law enforcement secured the scene with the cooperation of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is conducting an independent investigation into the matter.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed it has been in communication with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners regarding the incident.

The incident took place at about 7:00 a.m. on Landing Road across from the historic former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad train station that now serves as the office of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation (LHF), according to witnesses.

Officials are asking anyone with video footage or relevant information to contact the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability at 1-844-OPIA-TIP (1-844-674-2847).

In her statement, Davenport acknowledged that incidents of this nature raise concerns within communities and emphasized that public safety remains the state’s top priority. She affirmed her duty to protect New Jersey residents and uphold the Constitution, stating that her office will take all necessary steps to fulfill that responsibility.

Morris Focus will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.