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Bill > S4160

NJ S4160

NJ S4160
Imposes criminal penalties for harboring aliens who have outstanding warrants and are unlawfully present in U.S.

summary

Introduced
02/25/2025
In Committee
02/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:29-3, which prohibits hindering apprehension or prosecution, to impose criminal penalties for harboring an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States with knowledge that an arrest warrant or an immigration warrant has been issued for such an alien, or hindering the apprehension or deportation of such an alien. Under the bill, harboring or hindering the apprehension or deportation of an unlawful alien, with knowledge that the alien has an outstanding warrant, is a crime of the fourth degree. An unlawful alien who hinders his or her own apprehension or deportation is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. However, it is an affirmative defense that an unlawful alien was a victim of human trafficking during the time that the unlawful alien was hindering his or her own apprehension or deportation. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

AI Summary

This bill amends New Jersey's existing law on hindering apprehension or prosecution to specifically address undocumented immigrants with outstanding warrants. The bill creates new criminal penalties for harboring or helping an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States and has an existing arrest or immigration warrant. Under the new provisions, knowingly harboring such an individual or helping them avoid detection is classified as a fourth-degree crime, which can be punished by up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Similarly, an undocumented immigrant who attempts to hinder their own apprehension or deportation would be charged with a disorderly persons offense, typically punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. The bill provides an important exception for human trafficking victims, offering them an affirmative defense if they are hindering their own apprehension. This legislation aims to strengthen enforcement of immigration laws by creating more specific criminal penalties for those who assist undocumented immigrants with outstanding warrants in evading law enforcement.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 02/25/2025)
(1 Companion Bills)

bill text

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Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4160
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4160_I1.HTM
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