Latino Action Network Urges Passage of the Full Immigrant Trust Act to Protect Immigrant Communities and Strengthen Public Safety in New Jersey
Trenton, NJ, January 30, 2025,
The Latino Action Network (LAN) strongly supports the passage of the Immigrant Trust Act NJ Bill numbers S3672/A4987. This landmarklegislation reaffirms New Jersey’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities while ensuring the state’s resources are used efficiently for the benefit of all residents.
The Immigrant Trust Act prohibits using state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement, ensuring that all New Jersey residents can access essential services—such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement—without fear of deportation, detention, or family separation. This legislation is a critical step toward fostering trust between immigrant communities and public institutions while reinforcing New Jersey’s leadership in immigrant rights. The legislature must pass the full bill to protect the Constitution and our communities.
A Matter of Public Safety and Community Trust
The Latino Action Network emphasizes that the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987) enhances public safety by encouraging crime reporting and cooperation with law enforcement. When immigrants fear deportation, they are less likely to report crimes, putting entire communities at risk. The Act enables law enforcement to focus on protecting New Jersey communities rather than carrying out federal immigration directives.
“We must ensure that no one in New Jersey hesitates to call the police, visit the doctor, or send their children to school due to fear of immigration enforcement,” said Javier Robles, President of the Latino Action Network. “This legislation keeps families together, protects our workforce, and makes our communities safer for everyone.”
A Smart and Efficient Use of State Resources
The Latino Action Network also highlights that the Immigrant Trust Act prevents the misuse of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement. The Act promotes fiscal responsibility by clarifying the roles of state and federal agencies, reducing duplicative efforts, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent on New Jersey priorities—not federal mandates.
“Our state should not be using its resources to do the federal government’s job,” said Sara Cullinane, Director of Make the Road New Jersey and a member organization of the Latino Action Network. “The Immigrant Trust Act ensures that our funding and personnel are focused on the priorities of New Jersey residents, rather than engaging in costly and unnecessary immigration enforcement.”
Strengthening New Jersey’s Legacy of Immigrant Rights
New Jersey has long been a leader in protecting immigrant communities, and the Immigrant Trust Act builds on that legacy. The Act aligns with previous efforts, such as expanding access to driver’s licenses for undocumented residents and the Immigrant Trust Directive.
“New Jersey has always stood up for fairness, inclusion, and justice,” said Robles. “This bill reflects our values and ensures that all residents—regardless of immigration status—are treated with dignity and respect.”
Addressing Misinformation and Opposition
The Latino Action Network urges legislators and the public to focus on the facts about the Immigrant Trust Act. The bill does not prevent local law enforcement from addressing crime, nor does it interfere with legally required cooperation with federal authorities. Instead, it creates clear, uniform policies to prevent confusion, discrimination, and unnecessary legal liability for state agencies.
“We must reject fearmongering and focus on the truth,” said Javier Robles. “The Immigrant Trust Act ensures that our justice system operates fairly and effectively while keeping families together and communities safe.”
Take Action Now
The Latino Action Network calls on New Jersey lawmakers to pass the entire Immigrant Trust Act without delay to prioritize community safety, fairness, and economic stability over divisive immigration policies.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Javier Robles, President or Cory Garriga, Vice President of Communications
Phone: (732) 887-8722; (908) 346-3825
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Website: latinoactionnetwork.org
About the Latino Action Network
The Latino Action Network (LAN) is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx people in New Jersey and across the United States. LAN advocates for policies and practices that promote social, economic, and racial justice, standing up against discrimination and promoting the well-being and rights of Latino communities.