New Jersey’s capital and most populated city is home to roughly 310,000 people, with an estimated 77% being U.S. citizens.
However, Newark is packed with migrant enclaves, particularly the Ironbound neighborhood, which is home to a large share of the Lusophone diaspora.
The city has earned the nickname “Little Portugal” and has an ever-growing Brazilian population, many of whom are among the estimated 460,000 illegal immigrants living in New Jersey.
Local organizations and the Brazilian consulate in Newark estimate the true “undocumented” Brazilian population to be double or more what official figures show.
NEWARK: New Jersey's most populated city is home to roughly 310k people with an estimated 77% being citizens. Neighborhoods in Newark are dominated by immigrant communities particularly in the "Ironbound" region which is home to a large Lusophone population.
The city has earned… pic.twitter.com/LWXtR0RBPK
— Wid Lyman (@Wid_Lyman) June 1, 2026
It is believed the foreign-born population of Newark is severely undercounted as many households refuse to participate in the census for fear of deportation.
On record, the top country of origin for immigrants in Newark is Ecuador, with nearly 14,000 Ecuadorians comprising a large share of the Latino population.
Considering the volume and size of these communities, it is surprising that more ‘locals residents’ are not participating in ongoing protests at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark.
This article was written by Border Hawk White House correspondent Wid Lyman.
