Stafford Township, NJ – The Stafford Township Council has unanimously approved a resolution opposing several recently enacted New Jersey laws affecting immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities, becoming one of the latest municipalities to formally challenge the state’s sanctuary policies.
Mayor Robert Henken and the Township Council adopted the resolution Monday night, arguing the laws restrict cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement while creating unnecessary risks for officers and the public.
Resolution cites June ICE incident
The resolution references the June 15 immigration enforcement operation in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township during which an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was struck by a fleeing vehicle.
Federal authorities allege Eduardo Cruz Garcia assaulted a federal officer after driving forward during a targeted vehicle stop on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive. ICE said the vehicle pinned the agent between the suspect’s van and an agency vehicle, prompting the agent to fire his weapon as the van fled the scene. The injured agent was hospitalized in stable condition.
According to federal officials, ICE agents were attempting to arrest Friedrich Castillo-Ormeno, a Peruvian national who allegedly had a final order of removal. Stafford Township police did not participate in the federal operation and instead managed traffic and secured the scene in accordance with New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive.
Council urges repeal of immigration laws
The resolution specifically opposes several recently enacted state laws, including measures limiting certain cooperation and communications between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, officer identification requirements during some enforcement actions, expanded privacy protections governing personal information, and the “Safe Communities Act.”
Township officials argue the laws interfere with law enforcement operations, complicate coordination with federal agencies, increase risks to officers, and create legal uncertainty for municipalities.
The resolution states that the governing body believes immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility under the U.S. Constitution and expresses concern that restrictions on cooperation may conflict with federal law and expose New Jersey to additional litigation.
Resolution to be sent to state and federal officials
As part of the measure, the township clerk was directed to send certified copies of the resolution to Gov. Mikie Sherrill, legislative leaders, the New Jersey Attorney General, the municipality’s legislative delegation, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, and several state and local government organizations.
The resolution also encourages state, county and local law enforcement agencies, “to the fullest extent permitted by law,” to cooperate with one another and with federal authorities to protect public safety and secure government facilities.
The measure passed by roll call vote during the Township Council’s July 21 meeting.
