Bill > A5287

This bill, known as the "Imprisoning Illegal Aliens Act," proposes to modify existing New Jersey law by allowing state, local government agencies, and private detention facilities to enter into, renew, or extend immigration detention agreements, reversing a previous prohibition. The bill changes the legislative findings to reframe detention centers as providing a "valuable service" of facilitating deportations, instead of previously highlighting concerns about poor conditions and human rights. Key definitions are maintained, including defining an "immigration detention agreement" as any contract authorizing the housing or detention of individuals for civil immigration violations. The bill shifts the language from "shall not" to "may" when discussing the ability to enter into such agreements, effectively lifting the prior restrictions. An important caveat in the bill states that nothing in the law should prohibit actions that would be contrary to federal law, the U.S. Constitution, or the New Jersey Constitution. The sponsor suggests this change will support potential federal legislation like the Laken Riley Act and allow state and local entities to generate revenue from housing or detaining individuals for civil immigration violations. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5287