Advocates Push for Immigrant Protections as New Jersey Faces Federal Threats

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An illustration by the NIT Team depicting a diverse group of advocates at the New Jersey State Capitol.

TRENTON, NJ — With less than a week before President Trump’s second-term inauguration, New Jersey is at a crossroads. Over 100 organizations, representing diverse sectors such as labor, faith, and grassroots advocacy, have joined forces to urge state lawmakers to pass the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987). This proposed legislation is seen as critical to protecting immigrant communities from looming federal threats, including mass deportations and expanded detention policies.

Governor Phil Murphy’s penultimate State of the State address reaffirmed his commitment to defending New Jersey values, but many advocates were disheartened by the omission of specific measures for immigrant protections. Amy Torres, Executive Director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), commented, “The State of the State address is an opportunity to talk about legacy and impact. Concrete proposals like the Immigrant Trust Act are waiting in the legislature right now.”

The urgency stems from President Trump’s promises to prioritize aggressive immigration crackdowns, including mass deportations, workplace raids, and the termination of birthright citizenship. New Jersey, where one in four residents is foreign-born, risks becoming ground zero for these initiatives.

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Advocates warn that federal agencies like ICE and CBP are already leveraging public data to identify and target immigrant communities. In response, the Immigrant Trust Act seeks to restrict state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement by expanding privacy protections for immigrants and limiting information-sharing between local law enforcement and ICE.

“Every week brings more terrifying details,” said Nedia Morsy, Deputy Director of Make the Road New Jersey. “New Jersey must act now to lead the fight against these injustices and provide real protections for the nearly two million immigrants who call this state home.”

The coalition is also advocating for a $19.5 million investment in the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI), a program designed to provide legal representation to immigrants facing deportation. Advocates argue that these funds are a lifeline for families and essential for maintaining the fabric of New Jersey communities.

“Government leaders must prioritize legislation that strengthens immigrant rights,” said Sarah Fajardo, Policy Director at the ACLU-NJ. “New Jersey has a chance to be a national leader in defending civil rights, but the time to act is now.”

A United Front

The letter urging swift action, signed by more than 100 organizations, underscores the stakes: safeguarding families, stabilizing the workforce, and protecting New Jersey’s reputation as a place where all can thrive. Signatories include prominent groups like the ACLU-NJ, Make the Road New Jersey, and the Faith in New Jersey coalition, alongside smaller, community-based organizations.

Governor Murphy, in his address, pledged, “If you try to attack our people or our values without cause, make no mistake, we will fight back harder.” Advocates now hope his words will be matched by action to make New Jersey a national leader in immigrant protections before it’s too late.