essex commissioners unanimously call on trenton to protect nj communities with the immigrant trust act

Newark, NJ – on Wednesday at their twice-monthly meeting, the Essex County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to pass a resolution urging the New Jersey State Legislature and Governor Murphy to pass into law the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987) (ITA). The resolution was sponsored by acclamation.

“It is our hope that this act will be passed by our state legislature to protect our immigrant neighbors, coworkers, and friends and give them the peace of mind while attempting to build a better life,” said Commissioner Brendan W. Gill, who introduced the resolution. “I call on our representatives to pass this bill as soon as possible and Governor Murphy to sign it into law. With this resolution we are sending a clear message, immigrants are a vital part of our community and need to be protected from unfair treatment.”

The Essex County Board of Commissioners is the first New Jersey County legislative body to pass a resolution in support of the ITA. Several municipalities have passed similar resolutions earlier this year, including Trenton, Paterson, Flemington, Madison, Morristown, Plainfield, and Atlantic City.

The ITA would allow New Jerseyans to seek protection and support from state and local agencies regardless of immigration status and without fear of deportation, so that public services that are essential to community health, education, and wellbeing are the most effective they can be. It also would limit the State’s involvement in the federal detention and deportation system by creating new data privacy protections for New Jerseyans who interact with state and local agencies, and by strengthening and codifying the separation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement.

The ITA would ensure that local resources funded by local taxpayers are used to support local priorities rather than fund federal immigration enforcement. It would also prohibit state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, which is voluntary under federal law.

The resolution passed by the Essex County Commissioners reads as follows:

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW JERSEY IMMIGRANT TRUST ACT (S-3672/A-4987)

WHEREAS, Essex County is home to one of the most diverse populations in New Jersey, with residents representing a wide range of cultures, languages, and immigration experiences; and

WHEREAS, immigrants have long contributed to the social, cultural, and economic vitality of Essex County, serving as essential workers, taxpayers, small business owners, and community leaders; and

WHEREAS, the relationship between immigrant communities and local government depends on trust, and public safety is strengthened when all residents—regardless of immigration status—feel safe accessing county services, reporting crimes, and cooperating with law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act (S-3672/A-4987) before the New Jersey State Legislature seeks to protect immigrant residents by ensuring that state, county, and local resources are not diverted to enforce federal immigration law, except in circumstances required by state or federal law; and

WHEREAS, the Immigrant Trust Act affirms that no New Jersey resident should fear accessing essential services or contacting law enforcement due to their immigration status, and that protecting privacy and limiting unnecessary cooperation with immigration enforcement are crucial to maintaining public trust; and

WHEREAS, several municipalities across New Jersey have already passed resolutions supporting the Immigrant Trust Act; and

WHEREAS, Essex County has a moral responsibility to stand in solidarity with its immigrant residents, to ensure equal treatment under the law, and to reaffirm its commitment to justice, dignity, and inclusion; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Essex County Board of Commissioners hereby expresses its strong support for the passage of the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act (S-3672/A-4987) by the New Jersey State Legislature, and its signing into law by the New Jersey Governor; and be it further

RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Governor of New Jersey, the President of the New Jersey Senate, the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, the Essex County state legislative delegation, and the New Jersey Attorney General.