Bills would strengthen public safety in New Jersey and protect families in sensitive community spaces
(TRENTON) — The Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced two bills, sponsored by Assemblywoman Ellen Park, designed to protect immigrant communities in a way that reinforces trust in our local and state law enforcement and ensures New Jersey remains a place where all families can live, work, and access essential services without fear.
The committee advanced bill A6310, which would codify the Attorney General’s “Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities” directive, also known as the Immigrant Trust Directive, which has been upheld by state and federal courts.
The Directive reaffirms that there is a necessary distinction between State, county and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. It makes clear that it is not the role of State, county, or local police officers in New Jersey to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. The federal government is responsible for enforcing federal civil immigration violations. New Jersey law enforcement officers are already tasked with the demands of protecting the public, investigating state criminal offenses, and enforcing state criminal law.
“New Jersey’s law enforcement officers are talented and dedicated public servants and this bill ensures their time is spent enforcing New Jersey’s laws,” said Assemblywoman Park (D-Bergen). “By reinforcing that distinction, we would preserve trust among law enforcement and the diverse communities they serve, and make it clear that no one should be afraid to report a crime, seek help, or participate fully in their community, simply because of who they are or where they were born.”
A6310 would prohibit law enforcement officers from engaging in racially influenced policing and bar police from stopping, questioning, arresting, searching, or detaining an individual solely because of their actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status.
Also advanced today, Bill A6308 would establish the Safe Communities Act and require the Attorney General to develop model policies for sensitive locations to guide interactions with federal immigration authorities. These locations include health care facilities, public schools, and places of worship to ensure individuals are not deterred from seeking services or engaging with their community.
Together, these bills would clarify the role of State and local law enforcement and protect sensitive community spaces across New Jersey by ensuring residents feel safe seeking essential services or seeking help from local police.