Bill > S5038

This bill codifies an Attorney General Directive aimed at strengthening trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities by clarifying the roles of state and local police versus federal immigration authorities. It prohibits state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers from engaging in racially-influenced policing or enforcing federal civil immigration laws, such as stopping, questioning, arresting, or detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status or suspected violations of federal immigration law, unless it's necessary for an ongoing investigation of an indictable offense. The bill also restricts these local officers from assisting federal immigration authorities with certain actions, like participating in civil immigration enforcement operations or providing access to non-public information, unless specific exceptions apply, such as when a valid judicial warrant is presented or for serious offenses. Furthermore, it mandates procedures for processing T-visa and U-visa certifications for victims of crime or human trafficking, requires prosecutors to inform defendants of potential immigration consequences of their cases, and establishes training programs and public education efforts to ensure compliance and foster better relationships between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S5038