Van Drew, Schepisi blast NJ immigrant trust law after Governor Sherrill’s signing. Republican leaders accuse Democrats of shielding offenders as bill advances
TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey immigration law signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill yesterday is facing intensified political backlash after Republican officials, including U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew and State Sen. Holly Schepisi, publicly condemned the new law signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday.
The governor’s signing of Senate Bill 3521 set off a wave of criticism centered not just on the policy itself, but on what opponents describe as its real-world consequences for handling individuals convicted of serious crimes. Van Drew sharply criticized the lawin a public statement, framing the measure as a refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in cases involving violent offenders.
“New Jersey state Democrats just voted against turning over violent illegal criminals to ICE. Murderers. Traffickers. Rapists. This is who they are choosing to protect,” Van Drew said.
Schepisi details rejected amendment by Democrats
State Sen. Holly Schepisi also voiced opposition, pointing to a proposed amendment she said would have required individuals convicted of serious offenses to be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement upon release.
In a public statement, Schepisi said lawmakers declined what she described as a “common sense amendment,” adding that it would have applied to “those convicted of murder, child rape, human trafficking and other grave offenses.”
Schepisi wrote that Democratic members of the legislature “voted this amendment down,” contrasting Republican support for the measure with Democratic opposition.
Key Points
- Jeff Van Drew criticized the bill, saying it protects “violent illegal criminals”
- Holly Schepisi said lawmakers rejected an amendment targeting serious offenders
- Senate Bill 3521 advanced with a 21–15 vote, fueling partisan debate
The legislation codifies existing state policy limiting when local and state law enforcement can assist federal immigration authorities. It prohibits officers from taking action based solely on immigration status and restricts certain types of cooperation when enforcing federal civil immigration law.
Supporters of the bill maintain it is designed to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, while critics like Van Drew and Schepisi argue it could limit coordination in cases involving individuals convicted of serious crimes.
The law also includes provisions requiring notification to detainees when federal immigration authorities request interviews or extended detention, along with annual reporting and training mandates for law enforcement agencies.