After years of debate and a tense, closely watched hearing this week, a key Assembly committee advanced a sweeping package of new immigrant protections for the state.
Lawmakers at the hearing of the Assembly Judiciary Committee heard hours of powerful and personal testimony from advocates, faith leaders and community members.
“We are being hunted, separated from our families, captured and deported,” said Anita, a member of the Wind of the Spirit resource center, who provided only her first name.
The hearing drew hundreds to the State House, forcing lawmakers to move proceedings to a larger room. Overflow rooms were opened, legislative staff printed extra testimony slips, and public comment stretched for hours. Advocates repeatedly warned that fear of deportation is discouraging people from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, or interacting with government agencies, conditions they say are already undermining public safety.
“One in every four New Jerseyans is an immigrant, so that’s 2.3 million New Jersey residents out of 9 million that live in the state,” said Nedia Morsy, director of Make The Road New Jersey, an advocacy group. “We have all witnessed that many New Jersey residents have fallen victim the flagrant violations of due process.”
The three-bill package is a reworked version of the long-stalled Immigrant Trust Act, revised after years of legal and political concerns. Together, the measures are designed to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and state and local government institutions.
One bill would codify the state’s 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits how local law enforcement cooperates with federal immigration authorities. Another would restrict government agencies and hospitals from collecting or sharing immigration status unless required by law. A third would protect “sensitive locations,” including schools, hospitals, shelters, courthouses, and houses of worship from civil immigration enforcement.
Supporters said the testimony underscored the urgency.
“People are scared to go out go buy breakfast, take their kids, go to the doctor’s,” said Christian Moreno-Rodriguez, executive director of El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City. “People call us every single day asking us if ICE left.”
Pushback from Republicans
Support for the bills was not unanimous. Republican members of the committee questioned the legal footing of the proposals and whether they address concerns raised by local law enforcement.
“Do you have any reason to believe our local law enforcement is not being fair, is being trustworthy with these different groups? Do you have any examples?” asked Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn (R-Monmouth).
Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Bergen) pressed: “Let’s be honest every time I leave my house, I put my keys and my wallet in my pocket.”
That comment drew an immediate response from Kaleem Shabazz, an Atlantic City councilman. “The difference is you don’t take your passport, your citizenship,” he said.
Faith leaders pushed back strongly against skepticism surrounding the testimony.
Supporters of the legislation include several law enforcement officials who said fear in the community is already interfering with police investigations.
“I can testify to the fact that since January of last year that trust is eroded and the level of cooperation we are getting from victims and witnesses because of fear and concern is true,” said Raymond Santiago, the Monmouth County Prosecutor.
The bills advanced on a 4–2 party-line vote. Advocates called the decision an important step forward, while emphasizing the work ahead. The package must still pass the full Assembly and Senate before it gets to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk by Jan. 20, when incoming Gov. Mikie Sherrill takes office. Sherrill has so far been non-committal about the legislation.
This story is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
