Trenton, New Jersey — The New Jersey Legislature on Monday gave final approval to a package of three bills that would significantly limit when state and local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration authorities, sending the measures to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy just days before he leaves office.
The bills would codify New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, first issued by the state attorney general in 2018, which restricts police involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement. Lawmakers approved the package after hours of heated debate, with Democrats arguing the legislation is necessary to protect civil rights and Republicans warning it undermines public safety and federal authority.
Among other provisions, the bills prohibit racially influenced policing tied to suspected immigration status, limit how prosecutors can use a defendant’s immigration status in court, restrict government agencies from collecting or sharing certain personal data, and establish “sensitive locations” such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship where cooperation with federal immigration agents would be barred. The measures also require statewide training for law enforcement and mandate annual public reporting on when police assist immigration agents.
Supporters cited growing concern over aggressive federal enforcement under the Trump administration, including the recent fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Opponents countered that the legislation creates de facto sanctuary policies and could shield criminals.
Murphy has not said whether he will sign the bills, though he previously issued a conditional veto on one measure before approving revised language.
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