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Pass the Full Immigrant Trust Act

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, 

Woman with black hair holding a sign that reads, pass the immigrant trust act.

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.

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Immigration: Know your Rights

Understanding Your Rights: What to Do When Law Enforcement Inquires About Your Immigration Status

Navigating interactions with law enforcement regarding your immigration status can be daunting and stressful. Whether you're stopped by police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or Border Patrol, knowing your rights and how to protect yourself is crucial. This article provides essential guidelines to help you handle such encounters safely and legally.

How to Reduce Risk During Encounters

  1. Stay Calm and Composed

    • Remain calm and avoid showing signs of distress.
    • Do not run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated.
    • Keep your hands visible to the officers at all times.
  2. Honesty is Key

    • Do not lie about your immigration status.
    • Avoid providing false documents or information.
  3. Prepare for Possible Arrest

    • Memorize important phone numbers, including those of family members and your lawyer.
    • Develop emergency plans, especially if you have children or require medication.

Know Your Rights

  1. Right to Remain Silent

    • You are not obligated to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials.
    • Anything you say can be used against you in immigration court.
  2. Identification Requirements

    • In some states, you must provide your name when stopped by law enforcement.
    • If you're driving, you must show your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, but not your immigration status.
  3. Search Rights

    • Immigration agents cannot search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
    • You have the right to refuse a search if there is no warrant.
  4. Documentation for Non-Citizens

    • If you are not a U.S. citizen and have immigration papers, you must present them when requested by an immigration agent.
    • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) should maintain their status and carry necessary documents at all times.

Specific Scenarios and Actions

  1. Being Stopped While Driving

    • Pull over safely and remain in the vehicle.
    • Provide the required documents but refrain from answering questions about your immigration status.
  2. Encounters at Home

    • Keep doors closed and speak to officers through the door.
    • Do not allow entry without a valid judicial search or arrest warrant.
    • Clearly state, “I do not consent to your entry,” if no warrant is presented.
  3. Detention Near the Border

    • Remain calm and do not flee.
    • You have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
    • Agents cannot detain you without reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
  4. While in Transit (Airplanes, Buses, Trains)

    • On airplanes, pilots cannot discriminate based on immigration status.
    • On buses and trains, Border Patrol agents may ask for immigration information, which you can decline to answer.
  5. During Immigration Proceedings

    • If detained, request a bond hearing before an immigration judge.
    • Always consult with a lawyer before making any decisions or signing documents.

If Your Rights Are Violated

  1. Document the Incident

    • Write down all details, including officer badges, patrol car numbers, and agency names.
    • Collect contact information from any witnesses.
  2. Seek Medical Attention

    • If injured, obtain medical help immediately and photograph your injuries.
  3. File a Complaint

    • Submit a written complaint to the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
    • Complaints can often be filed anonymously.

Seeking Legal Assistance

  • Right to a Lawyer
    • If arrested, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer.
    • Detained individuals by ICE have the right to consult with a lawyer, though the government does not provide one.
    • Always ask for a list of free or low-cost legal alternatives if needed.

Additional Resources

For more information and assistance, consider reaching out to the following organizations:

These organizations offer comprehensive toolkits, legal resources, and multilingual support to help you understand and exercise your rights effectively.

Conclusion

Facing law enforcement inquiries about your immigration status requires calmness, awareness of your rights, and preparedness. By understanding the appropriate actions to take and knowing where to seek help, you can navigate these challenging situations more safely and confidently. Always consider consulting with a legal professional to receive personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal assistance, please consult a qualified attorney.

Information courtesy of National ACLU.

 


Latino Action Network Assembly 2025

Join Us for the 2025 Latino Action Network Legislative Assembly!

Date: Saturday, March 1st, 2025
Conference Title: Si Se Puede: Saving American Democracy through Resistance, Organizing, & Solidarity

Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

RSVP Here

We are thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable day of collaboration, inspiration, and action at the 2025 Latino Action Network Legislative Assembly!

Last year, we brought together over 300 leaders, activists, and elected officials from across New Jersey. This year, we’re excited to build on that energy with another incredible opportunity to engage with community and political leaders on the pressing issues that matter most. The event begins with registration and a continental breakfast, followed by a welcome session featuring key speakers, including LAN President Javier Robles and state and federal legislative leaders.

Breakout Sessions:
The morning and afternoon are dedicated to breakout sessions focused on key issues:

  • Know Your Rights topics include voting rights, ICE raid defense, human trafficking, affordable housing, reproductive health care, protections for unaccompanied minors, school access regardless of immigration status, health care access, and workers’ rights.
  • Collective Well-Being sessions emphasize mental health and community care for marginalized groups, including DACA scholars, LGBTQ+ communities, Afro-Latinos, and Latino men's health.

Additional Highlights:

  • Lunch and a resource table fair provide opportunities for networking.
  • The afternoon features a NJ Bi-Partisan Gubernatorial Panel to discuss pressing policy issues.
  • The day concludes with a transition to the Zimmerli Art Museum for coffee, desserts, and an art tour.

The assembly aims to empower Latino communities through education, advocacy, and solidarity, promoting democracy and collective well-being.

What to Expect:

🌟 Dynamic Breakout Sessions
Dive into panels covering a range of critical topics, including:

  • Immigration
  • Health Equity
  • Political Empowerment
  • Workers' Rights
  • Human Rights
  • Mental Health and Wellness
    …and much more!

Participants will have the opportunity to attend two sessions based on their interests and legislative priorities. Stay tuned for detailed session information coming soon!

Why Attend?

This conference is your chance to connect, learn, and collaborate with passionate advocates and leaders working to empower the Latino community across New Jersey. Together, we can shape the future and advance our shared legislative agenda.

Hosted By:

The Latino Action Network (LAN) in partnership with the Latino Action Network Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization.


Don’t miss this inspiring event that promises to leave you informed, empowered, and ready to make an impact!

Warm regards,
The Latino Action Network Conference Team

WHEN
March 01, 2025 at 8:00am
WHERE
Rutgers University Academic Building East
15 Seminary Pl.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
United States
Google map and directions
rsvp

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2025 Working Summit

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The Working Summit 25 is a reconvening of State Leadership, Returning Citizens, the Advocate community, affected Families, & Incarcerated voices throughout NJ to address the continued gross overrepresentation of African Americans and Latinos throughout the Criminal Justice system in New Jersey.

Register Here

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LAN 2025 Legislative Assembly

You’re Invited!

Join us at The Latino Action Network’s Annual Legislative Assembly—the largest gathering of Latino community organizers and public policy advocates in New Jersey! This year, we’re bringing together activists, elected officials, and community leaders to strategize, collaborate, and champion the issues that matter most to our communities.

🗓 Date: Saturday, March 1, 2024
📍 Location: Academic Building East, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

 

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Henry Pena Membership Committee Chair

Latina male with dark hair and dark beard wearing a dark brown blazer and Black shirtHenry Pena is the Chief Electrician for plant operations at Carewell Health Hospital in East Orange, New Jersey. As a member of the Latino Action Network since 2016 and a steering committee member since 2017, Pena chairs the Membership Committee at LAN. Pena is also on the labor, criminal justice, and Bylaws committee. In 2014, Mr. Pena and two friends began uniting street-respected Latino "big bros" who had achieved personal and professional success despite their past mistakes or the neighborhood they come from. Throughout New Jersey's roughest barrios, rehabilitated business owners, correction officers, construction workers, barbers, and single fathers formed UPLIFT Barrio Outreach with Pena as its co-founder and State Director. Aside from everyday one-on-one guidance (with a specialty in street organizations), Mr. Pena utilizes UPLIFT and Latino Action Network to introduce the average at-risk youth or recently released brothers to the importance of networking and community service participation to better one’s life and community. Henry Pena has an associate degree in Paralegal Studies from Berkeley College of Business and is currently studying for his Master's Electrician’s License.


Cory Garriga Vice President of Communications

Latino male with dark hair wearing a Blue blazer and white shirtCory Garriga Is the Vice President of Communications for the Latino Action Network he was born and raised in the Greenville section of Jersey City. From a young age, Cory saw the importance in being of service to his community. Currently, Cory is on the Steering Committee for the Latino Action Network, a local Committeeman in Jersey City, and is a Commisioner for the Jersey City Preservation Commission. Cory is the inaugural President of the Jersey City Young Democrats, an organization that promotes political and community involvement for Young Democrats ages 18-40.


Executive Committee Team