Governor Sherrill Protects New Jerseyans’ Safety!
TRENTON – By Sean Higgins
Today, Governor Mikie Sherrill took action to protect New Jerseyans’ safety and Constitutional rights as the Trump administration’s federal agents act outside the scope of the law. Governor Sherrill – alongside Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and Acting Human Services Commissioner Dr. Stephen Cha – announced Executive Order No. 12 to protect against ICE raids on state property, a resident reporting portal, and information for New Jerseyans to know their rights.
“I take seriously my responsibility to keep New Jersey residents safe and, as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, my commitment to upholding the Constitution will never waver. This executive order will prohibit ICE from using state property to launch operations. To strengthen public safety, we will also give New Jersey residents the tools to report ICE activity to the Attorney General’s office and ensure residents know their Constitutional rights. Today, we are making clear that the Trump administration’s lawless actions will not go unchecked in New Jersey. Given ICE’s willingness to flout the Constitution and violently endanger communities – detaining children, arresting citizens, and even killing several innocent civilians – I will stand up for New Jerseyans right to be safe,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.
“It is essential that federal agents who conduct immigration enforcement operations in New Jersey follow the Constitution, as well as federal and state laws. When federal immigration officers violate the law and sow fear in our communities, they undermine public trust in law enforcement and make it harder for us to keep the public safe. We encourage the public to share photos and videos through our new online portal. We will ensure the safety of our communities and hold the federal government accountable when they violate the law,” said Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.
“At a time when the Trump administration continues to undermine Constitutional protections and spread fear in immigrant communities, the Sherrill Administration is committed to standing on the side of facts, fairness, and human dignity. The Office of New Americans’ Know Your Rights and legal services information help ensure that residents have accurate, helpful guidance and legal representation for their day in court, no matter where they were born and what language they speak. The Know Your Rights information is available in 22 languages and are downloadable to print out or post online. In New Jersey, we will not allow misinformation or intimidation to deny people the rights and resources they are entitled to under the law,” said Human Services Acting Commissioner Stephen Cha.
Following the countless examples of Trump administration ICE agents violently abusing power and violating Constitutional rights – including killing Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis – Governor Sherrill signed Executive Order #12 to strengthen public safety and protect New Jerseyans on state property. The executive order prohibits ICE agents from entering, accessing, or using nonpublic areas of State property for their operations unless authorized by a judicial warrant. This would include, for example, residential medical facilities, child care centers, government offices, and state university dorms. Governor Sherrill has also pledged to continue enforcing the Attorney General’s directive, which strengthens public safety by building trust between state and local law enforcement and the communities they serve.
As part of the actions announced by Governor Sherrill today, the Office of the Attorney General will launch a portal for New Jersey residents to upload their interactions with ICE in New Jersey. The portal – which can be accessed at www.njoag.gov/portal – will help the State hold ICE accountable for their actions, including potential violations of the law. It requires various details about the potential misconduct to be provided, and it provides an option to upload photos or videos. Examples of concerning activity include uses of excessive force, warrantless searches or arrests, racial profiling, wrongful detentions, interference with voting, or other civil-rights violations. The portal allows users to complete the form in their choice of 10 languages. Information submitted through the portal may be used by the Office of the Attorney General to assist in enforcing the law, as evidence in court, or for referrals to other state agencies or third parties. It will enable the state to understand trends in ICE enforcement, shape its legal strategy to protect residents, and guard against misconduct.
Governor Sherrill also launched a new state website so New Jerseyans can quickly find information about their rights when interacting with federal agents. You can visit the website at nj.gov/knowyourrights. The governor – along with administration officials, the Office of New Americans, and other partners – will continue to share the website and “Know Your Rights” information online and across the state.
