Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced on Mar. 25 a new statewide directive that restricts state, county, and local law enforcement agencies in New Jersey from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement activities. The directive aims to draw a clear distinction between the responsibilities of local law enforcement and those of federal immigration authorities, with the goal of building trust within New Jersey’s immigrant communities.
The issue is significant because officials say fear of deportation can prevent crime victims and witnesses from coming forward, undermining public safety efforts across the state. According to Grewal, “We know from experience that individuals are far less likely to report a crime to the local police if they fear that the responding officer will turn them over to federal immigration authorities.” He added, “No law-abiding resident of this great state should live in fear that a routine traffic stop by local police will result in his or her deportation from this country.”
The Immigrant Trust Directive prohibits officers from stopping or detaining people based solely on suspected immigration status and bars participation in civil immigration operations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officers also cannot provide ICE with access to non-public resources or allow interviews with detainees unless advised of their right to legal counsel. Exceptions exist for emergency circumstances or joint task forces unrelated to civil immigration enforcement.
Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice said, “We cannot allow the line between our law enforcement officers and U.S. immigration officials – or the line between state criminal law and federal civil immigration law – to become blurred.” Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police stated that trust is essential for solving cases: “Trust between law enforcement and witnesses and victims of crimes is essential…and it is the foundation of building a long lasting relationship with everyone we serve.” Other prosecutors throughout New Jersey echoed support for measures designed to foster cooperation among all communities.
According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin has authority across all counties and municipalities in enforcing laws, prosecuting offenses, regulating public safety matters under its statutory mandate, providing legal representation for state entities, overseeing law enforcement agencies statewide, supporting crime labs, advocating for victims’ rights as well as offering consumer protection initiatives.
Law enforcement agencies are required under this directive to establish policies by March 15 ensuring compliance through training programs developed by the Division of Criminal Justice. Annual reports detailing any assistance provided by local agencies to federal civil immigration authorities will be published online.
Broader implications include increased confidence among immigrant residents when interacting with police officers about crimes or emergencies without fear regarding their status—potentially leading toward safer communities overall.
