BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – Republican Assemblyman Paul Kanitra is urging supporters to gather at the New Jersey State House in Trenton next week to protest what he describes as “radical” immigration proposals being advanced by Democratic lawmakers.
In a social media post, Kanitra said the rally will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 23, at the State House Annex, 131 W. State Street, Trenton. The event comes ahead of a scheduled legislative vote on several bills aimed at expanding protections for undocumented residents in the state.
Kanitra called on residents to “take back this state” by signing an online petition and attending the rally, warning that the proposed measures would prevent deportations for what he referred to as “900,000 foreign invaders” in New Jersey. The post also claimed the state spends “$7 billion a year” in benefits for immigrants living in the country unlawfully — a figure not verified by state fiscal data.
The petition linked in the post, hosted on Change.org, urges lawmakers to vote against the bills, which Kanitra and other opponents say would undermine federal immigration enforcement.
Rally expected ahead of contentious legislative session
The Assembly is expected to consider a package of immigration-related bills next week, including measures expanding access to legal services and limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Supporters argue the legislation would protect immigrant families and ensure due process, while opponents, including Kanitra, contend the proposals erode public safety and state sovereignty.
Key points:
- Assemblyman Paul Kanitra is organizing a February 23 rally at the State House in Trenton.
- The protest targets upcoming votes on immigrant protection legislation.
- Kanitra launched an online petition urging residents to oppose the bills.
Immigration debate intensifies ahead of State House vote
Kanitra’s announcement drew both support and criticism online, reflecting deep political divides over immigration policy in New Jersey. Advocacy groups have accused Kanitra and others of using inflammatory language to describe undocumented residents, while supporters argue that the Assemblyman is raising legitimate fiscal and public safety concerns.
The rally is expected to coincide with the Legislature’s final debate on the immigration package before a full floor vote.
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Lawmakers are set to debate the immigration bills in Trenton next week.