The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) has responded to a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against New Jersey sanctuary cities. The lawsuit targets these cities for their stance on immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities.
ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha issued a statement regarding the legal action. Sinha emphasized that “the Trump administration is targeting New Jersey cities for standing up for its residents and our constitutional rights.” He further noted that “for decades, courts have held that the Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering state and local resources for federal purposes, including immigration enforcement.”
Sinha criticized the lawsuit as “yet another escalation of the Trump administration’s shameful campaign to intimidate states, cities, and elected officials who won’t do their bidding.” He concluded by affirming that “our state and our localities will not be complicit as the Trump administration tramples on the Constitution.”
The response from ACLU-NJ highlights ongoing tensions between federal policies under the Trump administration and local jurisdictions opting to protect undocumented immigrants within their communities.
