Bloomfield Council Backs ‘Immigrant Trust’ Bill In New Jersey (VIDEO)

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield Town Council is backing a proposed state law that its members say would help to create a “safe and inclusive environment” for people living in New Jersey – regardless of their immigration status.

During their meeting this week, the council unanimously voted to approve a symbolic resolution in support of the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, a bill that has been introduced in the Senate (S-3672) and Assembly (A-4987).

The proposed law would codify the state’s existing Immigrant Trust Directive, which former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal issued in 2018.

Here’s what the bill would do if it crosses the finish line, according to the ACLU of New Jersey:

“The Immigrant Trust Act will allow New Jerseyans to seek protection and support from state and local agencies without fear of deportation … [The bill] will limit New Jersey’s involvement in the federal detention and deportation system by creating new data privacy protections for people who interact with state and local agencies, and by strengthening and codifying the separation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement.”

Critics have claimed that the bill could limit law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with federal authorities – ultimately compromising public safety.

Supporters – including Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell – have argued otherwise.

“The safety and well-being of our residents is my top priority,” Mundell said. “By supporting the Immigrant Trust Act, we are not only safeguarding the rights of our immigrant neighbors, but also fostering trust between residents and local government.”

“This legislation strengthens protections for vulnerable communities and ensures they can seek help – whether it’s for accessing public education, calling the police in times of domestic violence, or seeking medical care when they are sick – without the constant fear of deportation or family separation,” the mayor added.

Councilwoman Monica Charris Tabares said that as immigrant herself, she is proud that the town is “standing as a group.”

“A lot of immigrants are very scared,” she said.

For more information about this resolution, residents can reach out to the mayor’s office or their local council member through the contacts listed on the township website.

The resolution passed at the Bloomfield council meeting on Monday reads as follows:

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE IMMIGRANT TRUST ACT (ITA) S3672/A 4987

WHEREAS, New Jersey is one of the most diverse states within a nation of immigrants; and

WHEREAS, nearly one in four New Jerseyans is an immigrant; and

WHEREAS, over 10% of New Jersey’s U.S. citizen are children who live with at least one undocumented family member; and

WHEREAS, since 2019, the Immigrant Trust Directive (ITD) has enabled our immigrant communities of diverse status to live without fear of interactions with law enforcement, to come forth if they are the victim of a crime, and not be subject to separation from their families; and

WHEREAS, public officials agree that this has kept our communities safer, and reflected the value of our immigrant communities, be they documented, undocumented, Temporary Protected Status, Dreamers, etc.; and

WHEREAS, it is anticipated the N.J. Attorney General will issue detailed guidelines for towns and police departments to follow regarding immigration, which Bloomfield will implement; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s municipalities and state government reserve the right to protect our residents, and maintain the stability of our communities, economy, and society in the way we best see fit; and

WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Ellen Park and Senator Gordon Johnson have introduced into the State Legislature the Immigrant Trust Act (ITA) (S3672/A4987), which would codify the ITD into law; and

WHEREAS, the ITA would expand the protections of the ITD, so no one needs to fear that a visit to the DMV, to enroll their children in school, to obtain lawfully entitled healthcare, etc. could lead to their private information being shared with ICE, putting themselves or their families in jeopardy.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Bloomfield calls upon the State Legislature to pass the ITA within its current session, and with all deliberate speed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council call on our own district’s representatives in the Assembly and Senate to vote affirmatively for the ITA; and

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council call on Governor Murphy to sign the ITA into law.

>> Watch footage from the March 10 town council meeting below (video is cued to the discussion on the Immigrant Trust Act):

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