ACLU-NJ urges lawmakers, Gov. Mikie Sherrill to pass laws increasing immigrant protections

American Civil Liberties Union of N.J. is urging lawmakers and Gov. Mikie Sherrill to pass two bills, the Privacy Protection Act and Strengthening Trust Act, that would expand protections for the state’s 2.25 million immigrant population. Phil Murphy decided to not sign, or pocket-vetoed, the two bills before leaving office on Jan. 20. The Privacy Protection Act will protect personal data shared with schools, hospitals and libraries, and the Strengthening Trust Act codifies a 2018 directive that limits state law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The bills will have to be reintroduced and pass by simple majority in both the General Assembly and the Senate before the governor can sign them.

Advocates renewed their push for immigrant protections after President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Jan. 20, 2025 to ramp up deportations. The Jersey Bee has immigration resources at jerseybee.org/community/immigrants. Resources are available in English and Spanish.

From NJ Spotlight News.