WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Andy Kim said New Jersey residents are afraid to leave their homes, go to work, or send their children to school, describing a climate of fear he says is spreading across communities statewide.
Kim made the remarks Friday after meeting with New Jersey mayors and community leaders who traveled to the capital, relaying concerns from constituents who say they now carry passports out of fear of being stopped while traveling locally.
“People in my state are terrified to leave their homes, to travel without their passports, to go to work and school,” Kim wrote in a statement posted publicly. “I hear you, NJ. There must be accountability for this lawlessness.”
According to Kim, local officials told him residents fear encounters involving administrative warrants rather than judicial warrants, which he said are being used in ways that intimidate people who are legally present in the country.
Kim said community leaders reported individuals carrying passports at all times because of concern over being questioned or detained during routine activities, including commuting and school drop-offs.
The senator said the situation reflects a broader breakdown in oversight, calling for independent investigations and accountability related to enforcement practices affecting New Jersey residents.
• Sen. Andy Kim says New Jersey residents fear leaving home or traveling locally
• Mayors and community leaders reported constituents carrying passports daily
• Kim called for accountability and investigation into enforcement practices
