The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the signing of three key immigrant protection bills into law by Governor Sherrill, including measures previously vetoed in the final hours of the Murphy administration. This milestone reflects years of sustained advocacy by community organizations and residents across New Jersey.
While this moment marks meaningful progress, CAIR-NJ emphasizes that these laws still fall short of addressing the full scope of harm facing immigrant communities.
The enactment of these protections comes amid growing concern over increased federal immigration enforcement, including the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport and broader nationwide deportation efforts.
The key provisions of the legislation include:
- The Privacy Protection Act, which limits the collection and sharing of personal data without consent;
- The Immigrant Trust Directive, which codifies the separation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, ensuring state resources are not used to advance federal civil immigration enforcement;
- The Safe Communities Act, which aims to ensure residents can access essential services, such as schools, healthcare, and law enforcement, without fear.
The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) states that: “The current version of both the Privacy Protection Act (A4070) and the Immigrant Trust Directive Codification (A4071) have been significantly watered down to match public comments Governor Sherrill had made on the campaign trail,” urging a stronger and more effective call to revisit and revise these passed bills.
SEE: https://www.njaij.org/ice_airport_state_modified_immigration_bills
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“The signing of these bills into law is the result of years of tireless advocacy from an exceptionally diverse array of community members and organizations across New Jersey, particularly with NJAIJ’s trusted guidance and leadership. We welcome this progress and recognize the significance of finally enacting protections that were long denied, including those previously vetoed.”
“But we must be clear: these laws do not go far enough. ICE presence is expanding, even in places like the Newark Airport. Too many in our communities remain vulnerable to unjust enforcement, surveillance, and detention. This is a major step, but it cannot be the last. Lawmakers must build on this foundation to ensure every resident is treated with dignity regardless of status.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 862-264-9414