New laws tighten data sharing, restrict enforcement roles, and fuel sanctuary debate
UPDATE: Sherrill speaks on historic sanctuary state bills
Trenton, NJ – Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed a package of immigration bills into law, significantly expanding limits on how New Jersey agencies and law enforcement interact with federal immigration authorities and intensifying debate over whether the state now effectively operates as a sanctuary jurisdiction.
The centerpiece of the legislation, designated the “New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act,” creates a uniform statewide policy restricting the use of government resources to assist in federal immigration enforcement. The law applies broadly to state agencies, local governments, public colleges, and healthcare facilities.
Update 11:18: Sherill’s remarks: When I ran for governor, I promised to stand up to Donald Trump and to protect the people of New Jersey, their constitutional rights, and the rule of law. So in the past 2 months, we’ve watched poorly trained, masked ICE agents put communities across the country in danger. In this state, we have drawn a line. No, not here. I signed an executive order banning ICE from launching operations from state property. We created a portal for people to upload videos of intimidating ICE activity. And we launched a Know Your Rights website to get people accurate, up-to-date information, even to find a lawyer. And last week, we joined Roxbury Township in suing the Trump administration to stop it from putting a massive ICE detention center in a warehouse on Route 46.
Under the measure, agencies are prohibited from collecting or sharing personal information related to immigration status unless it is strictly necessary. Records tied to such data are largely shielded from public disclosure, and information sharing is tightly restricted unless required by law or authorized by a court order.
Strict limits placed on law enforcement
The law imposes sweeping restrictions on police interaction with federal immigration authorities. It states that law enforcement officers shall not “stop, question, arrest, search, or detain any individual based on actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status,” nor may they inquire about immigration status or place of birth in most circumstances.
“I’m here to sign 3 new bills passed by the Senate and Assembly. Bills that move to further limit the Trump administration’s overreach and keep New Jerseyans safe. These bills are the product of community input and legislative deliberation. They protect people’s privacy and their rights. They strengthen trust between law enforcement and our communities, and they help make sure our government delivers for the people and the businesses it’s meant to serve. Let me explain more. The first bill I’m signing today will help to protect people’s privacy, preventing state agencies from sharing information on people’s immigration status unless required by law or judicial warrant. That matters because in recent months, the Trump administration has given ICE access to Medicaid data to build its target list. That’s a gross violation of patient privacy and HIPAA, and the state of New Jersey has sued,” Sherrill said. “To be clear, undocumented people do not receive Medicaid benefits. But some of their family members might, and ICE appears to have been using that data to track them. Not here. No one in our state should ever be afraid to seek medical care, and this law protects them.”
Agencies are also barred from complying with immigration detainers, providing access to detainees for federal interviews, or sharing databases, facilities, or personnel for immigration enforcement purposes. The law further prohibits participation in federal immigration operations and voids existing agreements that conflict with these provisions.
“This is an important moment in our history,” said State Sen. Jon Bramnick during debate. “In our country, it is time to unmask everyone, so we know who is who in this country.”
Assemblyman Balvir Singh, a supporter of the legislation, said, “There’s a real, living anxiety that at any moment, someone could be taken… simply living their lives. And that fear is not imagined. It is real.”
Key Points
- New law restricts NJ agencies and police from assisting federal immigration enforcement
- Limits data collection and sharing on immigration status across government entities
- Separate law bans officers, including federal agents, from concealing identity with masks
Mask restrictions extend to law enforcement and federal agents
In a separate measure signed by Sherrill, law enforcement officers are prohibited from concealing their faces while performing official duties. The policy applies broadly, including to federal agents operating within the state, and is intended to increase transparency and accountability during enforcement actions.
“I’m proud to sign today’s third and final bill known as the Mask Bill. It bans any law enforcement officer from hiding their faces, and it requires them to clearly identify themselves before making an arrest. It’s another basic step to keep New Jerseyans safe. We know the administration has challenged some of these measures in the past. We beat them in court then, and we’re happy to meet them in court again if they decide to sue now. Nothing is going to stop us from standing up for New Jersey and against Donald Trump’s overreach. Nothing will stop us from delivering on the promises that we’ve made. And now I’d like to turn it over to Majority Leader Ruiz for a few words,” Sherrill said.
The bill passed 24-14 in the Senate and 52-18 in the Assembly, reflecting a divided response among lawmakers over its scope and potential legal implications.
Sanctuary label remains disputed
While supporters say the laws are designed to build trust between immigrant communities and public institutions, critics argue the restrictions effectively make New Jersey a sanctuary state by limiting cooperation with federal enforcement.
The term “sanctuary state” has no formal legal definition, but is commonly used to describe jurisdictions that restrict assistance to federal immigration authorities. With the signing of these measures, New Jersey now has some of the most expansive limitations in the country.
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