NJ Senator Cautions Against ‘False Hope’ Amid ICE Crackdowns

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Your local officials might have a lot less influence with federal officials than you think when it comes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, a state lawmaker from Essex County says.

Tensions and anxieties are high in Essex County after ICE agents carried out a surprise raid at a seafood distributor in the Ironbound section of Newark last Thursday. Three undocumented residents were arrested and several others were detained during the “warrantless” raid, including a U.S. military veteran.

The raid ignited a firestorm of controversy that has many community members speaking out in fear and anger – and others applauding for President Donald Trump. Read More: ICE Immigration Raid Shocks New Jersey (5 Things To Know)

Although calls for local and state leaders to take a stance on the issue are mounting in New Jersey, people should probably keep their expectations in check, according to Sen. Britnee Timberlake (NJ-34).

Here’s what Timberlake – a Democrat who represents several towns in Essex County – wrote in a statement on Friday:

“Immigration is a federal issue, and while at the state level we have made advances to model decency and love to people seeking a better life in the USA—such as driver's licenses and sanctuary cities—the federal government authorizing ICE raids on sanctuary cities is now in full effect. I am in support of passing state laws such as the Immigration Trust Act, the Haitian Migrant Acts, and others. However, during this dark time in our history, I will not provide false hope: While these laws will preserve some basic human rights, ensure access to information, and does not require local units to share information, none will stop ICE from conducting raids if they are ordered to do so. It would be misleading to suggest a state law, a letter, or call from me, or most other elected officials, will put a stop to ICE raids.”

Nonetheless, Timberlake bashed the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in a statement on Friday.

“The 47th president of the United States is living up to his campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, despite the United States being a nation of immigrants—a fact that many people reading this can relate to, as their spouses, parents, or grandparents came here from somewhere else, including immediate family members of the president and vice president themselves,” Timberlake said.

“While immigration reform is necessary, militarizing and committing constitutional violations is not the answer,” she added.

The state senator continued:

“Our best option right now is to stay vigilant and support advocacy organizations, legal funds, our New Jersey state attorney general, the courts, and constitutional, human rights, and immigration attorneys working tirelessly. After all, over 20 state attorney generals, and civil rights groups have already succeeded in court, blocking an executive order that challenged birth right citizenship, thereby upholding it as a constitutional right. This gives me hope.”

Timberlake offered the following advice for local immigrants:

“Knowing your rights is important. The ACLU has provided instructions on what to do when approached by ICE. For citizens of the United States and those on visas who may be unfairly questioned and detained, like the U.S. military veteran who was detained before being released in Newark; in addition to carrying regular identification, it is imperative that you take secured pictures of secondary official documents as proof of citizenship for you and any minors you parent/guardian. Furthermore, ensure your trusted loved ones know where your original documents are, should you be detained and called into question.”

The 34th District includes the municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

• See Related: NJ Leaders Shouldn’t Exploit Fears About Drones, Timberlake Urges

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