Newark, NJ — A New Jersey-based advocacy group is under renewed scrutiny after promoting guidance that helps immigrants understand their legal rights during federal enforcement actions, as tensions rise over immigration policy and a new federal lawsuit targeting the state.
Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) shared materials this week advising residents what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrive at their homes or workplaces. The guidance, widely circulated in English and Spanish, outlines constitutional protections such as the right to remain silent and the need for a judicial warrant before entry.
The messaging followed a reported ICE operation in Newark and comes as the U.S. Department of Justice escalates legal action against New Jersey over policies benefiting undocumented residents.
While opponents of the group are claiming MRNJ is interfering with the legal immigration and deportation proceess, the group asserts that it is only advising undocumented individuals of their rights, not interfering with legal immigration enforcement.
“Know your rights” guidance fuels debate
MRNJ’s outreach reflects a broader effort by advocacy and legal organizations nationwide to educate immigrants about their rights during encounters with law enforcement.
In a public statement, the group criticized federal immigration enforcement, describing ICE as an agency that “routinely violates the constitution and civil rights,” while urging New Jersey to protect all residents, including its large immigrant population.
Supporters of these campaigns argue the information is grounded in established legal protections and helps prevent unlawful searches or detentions. Critics, however, say such guidance can hinder federal enforcement efforts by informing individuals how to respond during operations.
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Key Points
• MRNJ promoted “know your rights” resources following reported ICE activity in Newark
• Group received about $100,000 in NJ state funding through a 2024 labor outreach grant
• Debate grows as DOJ challenges New Jersey policies tied to undocumented residents
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Funding and role in public policy
Public records show MRNJ received approximately $100,000 in 2024 through a New Jersey Department of Labor CARE grant program focused on worker rights education. That program distributed about $2.2 million across 24 organizations.
The group does not receive a single, fixed stream of government funding. Instead, it operates through a mix of targeted grants and private support, including funding from national foundations.
MRNJ has also advocated for broader public spending on immigrant-related services, including funding for census outreach and legal support programs. Those funds are allocated across multiple organizations and services, not solely to MRNJ.
What happens next
There is no indication of any legal action against Make the Road New Jersey related to its “know your rights” materials. Such guidance is commonly distributed by civil rights groups and legal aid organizations.
