Immigration (Enforcement)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3168: Requires chief law enforcement officer or Superintendent of State Police to notify federal immigration authorities when non-citizen applies for firearms purchaser identification card or handgun purchase permit.

This bill requires New Jersey's chief law enforcement officers or the Superintendent of State Police to notify federal immigration authorities whenever a non-citizen applies for a firearms purchaser identification card (for rifles and shotguns) or a handgun purchase permit. It directly affects non-citizens seeking to purchase or possess firearms under New Jersey's permit system. The key mechanism adds a mandatory notification step to the existing background check process, requiring law enforcement to share applicant information with federal immigration agencies. The bill does not alter background check standards but creates a new reporting obligation for non-citizen firearm permit applicants.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationMandates state law enforcement to notify federal immigration authorities about non-citizen firearm applications, increasing cooperation with federal enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3616: Imposes 50 percent tax on gross receipts from operation of private carceral facilities in State; establishes "Immigrant Protection Fund."

S 3616 would impose a 50% tax on the annual revenue earned by private companies operating facilities that detain individuals for legal violations (such as immigration or criminal offenses) under contracts with government entities. The tax applies to all money received from these public contracts, calculated as 50% of gross receipts, starting January 1, 2027. All tax revenue would be deposited into a new "Immigrant Protection Fund" managed by the state Treasury. This fund must be used annually to support immigration-related services in New Jersey, including legal assistance and community programs for immigrants.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 50% tax on private carceral facilities' revenue to fund 'Immigrant Protection Fund,' directly creating new tax revenue allocation for a specific program.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeTax on private carceral facilities reduces profit-driven incarceration, aligning with reform goals to limit private prison expansion and fund alternatives within criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationImposes tax on immigrant detention facilities to fund Immigrant Protection Fund, advancing immigrant services and protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4078: Prohibits immigration enforcement on certain public lands; appropriates funds.

This bill prohibits federal immigration enforcement agencies from using publicly owned or controlled lands (like parking lots, vacant lots, and garages) as staging areas, processing locations, or operations bases. It requires local governments to install clear signage on such properties and implement physical barriers where needed, while exempting properties under existing leases. The bill also extends this protection to eligible private properties (such as businesses, nonprofits, and faith institutions) by providing free signage, and appropriates funds from the General Fund for implementation. It explicitly states the law does not interfere with criminal warrants or other lawful uses of property.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates funds for local governments to install signage/barriers on public lands, directly supporting budget appropriations for implementation.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill prohibits federal immigration enforcement on public lands and eligible private properties, creating safe spaces for immigrants. This directly limits enforcement activities, aligning with protective measures for immigrant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 328: "Unifying Families and Bringing them Home Act"; requires AG to establish program to relocated persons unlawfully in State.

This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a program that pays for relocating undocumented immigrants (those unlawfully present in the state) and their consenting immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, children under 21, or legal ward) to their country of origin or an "authorized settlement country." It prohibits the state from sharing relocation participants' information with federal authorities if their only violation is immigration law, and imposes penalties - including up to 18 months in jail, $10,000 fines, or repayment of relocation costs - for re-entering the state unlawfully after participating. The program aims to reduce state costs associated with services like healthcare and education for this population.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationRequires state-funded relocation of undocumented immigrants to home country, facilitating removal and restricting their presence in NJ.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4167: Limits use of State, county, and municipal property or funding to support immigrant detention facilities.

This bill prohibits New Jersey state and local governments (including counties and municipalities) from using public funds or property to support immigrant detention facilities. Specifically, it bans state/local spending on constructing, renovating, or leasing public property for detention, paying private facility costs, or covering detention expenses for privately-owned facilities. The law allows public health and safety resources for detained individuals but does not affect existing detention operations. It directly affects state/local budgets and property decisions related to immigration enforcement. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill explicitly prohibits state/local spending on immigrant detention facilities, restricting government budget allocation for this purpose.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill defunds immigrant detention facilities, reducing incarceration in criminal justice system. Aligns with reform goals of limiting unnecessary detention and promoting systemic change.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationDefunds state support for detention facilities, limiting cooperation with federal enforcement (key support indicator).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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died · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4446: Establishes "Fight Unlawful Conduct and Keep Individuals and Communities Empowered Act"; permits civil action for violations of US Constitution related to immigration enforcement.

This New Jersey bill establishes a legal pathway for individuals to sue when immigration enforcement actions violate the U.S. Constitution. It permits civil lawsuits against law enforcement officers or agencies conducting immigration enforcement who knowingly breach constitutional rights, allowing successful plaintiffs to recover monetary damages (including punitive damages), attorney fees, and other relief. Key provisions require courts to consider factors like whether officers failed to identify themselves, wore facial coverings, bypassed body cameras, used crowd control equipment, or violated court orders when determining punitive damages. The bill explicitly states that qualified immunity remains a valid defense against such lawsuits. It directly affects individuals subjected to immigration enforcement and law enforcement officers or agencies involved in those actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePermits civil lawsuits for constitutional violations by law enforcement in immigration enforcement, enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights within criminal justice framework.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill enables lawsuits against unconstitutional immigration enforcement, protecting immigrant rights and holding officers accountable for constitutional violations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1835: Requires AG to repeal law enforcement directive restricting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to repeal a 2018 directive (No. 2018-6) that limited local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The directive previously prohibited police from sharing certain information with immigration officials - such as notifying them about detained individuals' release dates or extending detention solely based on immigration requests - when immigration enforcement was the sole purpose. The bill directly affects state, county, and local police departments by removing these restrictions on sharing information with federal immigration authorities. It aims to restore full cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, as specified in the directive's current provisions. The repeal would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill repeals a 2018 directive restricting law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities, removing a reform that protected civil rights in criminal justice by limiting immigration-focused detentions.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationRepeals 2018 directive limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, enabling greater sharing of detainee information and extending detention for immigration purposes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SR 58: Directs AG to repeal and amend certain provisions of directive restricting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

This bill (SR 58) directs New Jersey's Attorney General to repeal and modify a 2018 law enforcement directive that limited local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It specifically removes restrictions preventing state/local law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while preserving protections for T-Visa (human trafficking victims) and U-Visa (crime victim) certifications. The resolution aims to enable law enforcement to share immigration status details without legal barriers, citing concerns about community safety and coordination with federal agencies. It does not create new laws but directs the Attorney General to update existing policy, with exceptions for victim protection provisions.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationRepeals 2018 directive restricting ICE cooperation, enabling local police to share immigration status with ICE - increases state enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 325: "Imprisoning Illegal Aliens Act;" allows State and local entities and private detention facilities to enter into agreements to detain noncitizens.

This bill, formally titled "Imprisoning Illegal Aliens Act" but actually repealing New Jersey's current ban, would allow state/local governments and private detention facilities to enter into agreements for detaining noncitizens under civil immigration law. Currently, New Jersey law prohibits such agreements (for contracts related to housing or detaining noncitizens for immigration violations), but this bill removes that restriction. The key change is replacing "shall not" with "may" for entering these agreements, effective immediately upon passage. It directly affects New Jersey's counties, sheriffs, municipalities, and private detention facilities that previously could not participate in immigration detention contracts.

Topics ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationRepeals NJ's ban on state/local agreements for detaining noncitizens under civil immigration law, enabling increased state enforcement and cooperation with federal immigration detention.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4302: Prohibits certain employment of certain US Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees in certain State and local positions.

This bill prohibits individuals employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as agents or officers between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029, from working in specific New Jersey state or local positions. It directly affects ICE employees during that period, disqualifying them from becoming state/local government workers, law enforcement officers, or teachers. The key provision (Section 2a) bans such employment regardless of compensation, covering roles like school staff, sworn police officers, and public agency employees. The bill defines "law enforcement officer" broadly to include police, correctional officers, and campus security, and "teacher" to encompass all school staff.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits ICE employees from state/local roles, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aligning with support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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