TRENTON, N.J. — Five House Democrats representing New Jersey voted against a bill last fall that would deport illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes, drawing criticism from advocates of the legislation who say it is a necessary measure to protect public safety.
The “Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act,” introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., passed the House of Representatives in a 266-158 vote with bipartisan support. All Republicans voted for the bill, along with 51 Democrats. However, New Jersey’s Democratic delegation in the House largely opposed the measure. The measure was voted on last September, but has been making news on social media in recent days.
Reps. Rob Menendez, Donald Norcross, and Frank Pallone, along with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, voted against the legislation. Andy Kim, a former congressman who now serves as a U.S. senator, had also expressed opposition to the measure before his departure from the House earlier this year.
The bill sought to deport undocumented immigrants convicted of sexual offenses or domestic violence, as well as those who admit to such crimes. While proponents argue it strengthens public safety and protects women and children, opponents, including members of New Jersey’s delegation, have criticized the measure as overly punitive and politically motivated.
Despite the resistance from many Democrats, the measure garnered support from some members of the party, including moderate and vulnerable Democrats in swing districts. None of New Jersey’s Democratic House members broke ranks to vote for the bill.
The vote comes amid heightened national attention on border policies and immigration-related crime. New Jersey, which has a significant immigrant population, has often been at the forefront of debates about balancing immigration enforcement with protections for immigrant communities.
The five New Jersey lawmakers who voted against the measure are likely to face criticism from Republican challengers in future elections, as the issue of border security remains central to the GOP platform.
