Latino Action Network President and President Emeritus Javier Robles and Christian Estevez have released the following statement following Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Sweeney’s pledge to rescind New Jersey’s sanctuary state status if elected:

We deplore Steve Sweeney’s decision to play politics with the lives of thousands of New Jersey residents and their families. Our state is the most diverse in the nation, and at a time when our communities are facing unprecedented attacks from Donald Trump and his MAGA minions, we need elected officials who still stand up for New Jersey values.

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.

Latino Action Network Condemns ICE Raid in Newark, Demands End to Aggressive Enforcement Tactics in New Jersey

Posted by Javier Robles · January 25, 2025 12:05 PM · 1 reaction

Latino Action Network Public Policy Agenda

The Latino Action Network (LAN) aims to advance policies that promote equity, justice, and opportunity for the Latino/a/x community. This agenda focuses on key areas impacting the community:


1. Education

• Equitable Funding: Advocate for increased and equitable funding for schools in predominantly Latino communities to ensure access to quality education and resources.
• Bilingual Education: Support the expansion and preservation of bilingual education programs to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELL).
• Diversity: Ensure greater racial, ethnic, and economic diversity in New Jersey public schools and programs.
• Higher Education Access: Promote policies that increase access to higher education for Latino students, including affordable tuition and targeted scholarships.
• Curriculum Diversity: Push for curriculum reforms that include Latino history, culture, and contributions to American society.

2. Immigration

• Pathway to Citizenship: Support comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
• Protect DREAMers: Advocate for permanent protections for DACA recipients and their families.
• Family Reunification: Work to prevent family separations and ensure humane treatment of immigrants at borders and detention facilities.
• Immigrant Services: Expand access to language assistance, legal aid, and healthcare services for immigrant communities.
• Humane Policies: Advocate for humane treatment and due process for migrants and asylum seekers.
• No Local Police Takeover: Support local and state policies that prevent cooperation between immigration enforcement and local law enforcement.

3. Criminal Justice Reform

• Eliminating Disparities: Address racial and ethnic disparities in arrests, sentencing, and incarceration.
• Community Policing: Advocate for community-based policing models and training programs to prevent racial profiling and discrimination.
• Restorative Justice: Promote restorative justice practices to reduce recidivism and provide alternatives to incarceration.
• Re-entry Programs: Support programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society.
• Prison Industrial Complex: Work to end private prisons and detention centers that profit from detaining Latinos.
• Disability: Ensure police and law enforcement personnel are trained to respond appropriately during counters with people with disabilities.

4. Voting Rights

• Protect Voting Access: Advocate for policies that expand access to voting, including same-day registration and extended early voting periods.
• Combat Voter Suppression: Oppose any laws or practices that disproportionately disenfranchise Latino voters.
• Civic Education: Promote civic education initiatives that empower Latino communities to participate in the electoral process.

5. Environmental Justice

• Pollution Mitigation: Address environmental hazards in Latino-majority neighborhoods and advocate for clean air and water.
• Climate Change: Support policies aimed at mitigating climate change impacts on vulnerable communities.
• Community Engagement: Ensure Latino communities are included in environmental policy discussions and decision-making processes.

6. Labor Rights

• Workplace Protections: Advocate for stronger workplace protections, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and paid sick leave.
• Union Representation: Support initiatives that empower Latino workers to join unions and collectively bargain.
• Combat Exploitation: Work to prevent wage theft and exploitation, particularly among undocumented workers.

7. Social Equity and Health

• Healthcare Access: Push for expanded healthcare coverage and culturally competent services for Latino communities.
• Social Determinants of Health: Address systemic barriers to health, including housing, food insecurity, and lack of access to transportation.
• Mental Health: Promote access to mental health resources tailored to the needs of Latino populations.

8. Housing

• Affordable Housing: Advocate for policies that increase the availability of affordable housing options in Latino communities.
• Tenant Protections: Work to strengthen protections against eviction and housing discrimination.
• Homeownership Support: Promote programs that assist Latino families in achieving homeownership.

9. Economic Development

• Entrepreneurship: Support Latino-owned small businesses through grants, loans, and mentorship programs.
• Job Training: Advocate for workforce development programs that prepare Latino workers for high-demand industries.
• Economic Inclusion: Push for equitable access to banking and financial services.

10. Health and Healthcare (Including Mental Health)

• Expand access to affordable, culturally competent healthcare for all Latinos, regardless of immigration status.
• Address disparities in chronic disease outcomes and preventative care access.
• Promote mental health awareness and access to services, including reducing stigma within the Latino community.
• Advocate for Medicaid expansion and increased funding for community health clinics.

11. Disability Advocacy

• Accessibility: Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Latino-majority areas.
• Inclusive Programs: Promote adaptive sports, education, and employment opportunities for Latinos with disabilities.
• Healthcare Access: Advocate for equitable access to healthcare and support services for Latinos with disabilities.

12. Other Key Issues

• Hate Crimes Prevention: Support legislation and initiatives to prevent hate crimes against Latinos.
• Census Accuracy: Advocate for accurate census counts to ensure adequate representation and funding for Latino communities.
• Youth Empowerment: Invest in leadership and mentorship programs that cultivate future leaders within the Latino community

Implementation Strategies

• Legislative Advocacy: Lobby for policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Community Engagement: Partner with grassroots organizations to amplify community voices.
• Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the public and policymakers about Latino community needs.
• Research and Data: Conduct research to inform evidence-based advocacy.

The Latino Action Network is committed to creating a just society where Latino individuals and families can thrive. This policy agenda serves as a roadmap to achieving these goals. This comprehensive agenda aims to address the systemic challenges faced by Latino communities while fostering social, economic, and political empowerment.

     

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

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

Michael Pagan was born in New York City on July 29, 1976, and was raised in Washington Heights until he was 10. In 1986, his family moved to Teaneck, New Jersey. Pagan graduated from Teaneck High School in 1994 and attended Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, before transferring to Temple University in Philadelphia and graduating with a B.A. in Journalism in 1998.

Pagan has worked as a reporter for the North Jersey Herald News, as a grants writer for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and as a press secretary for three Speakers of the New Jersey General Assembly, a U.S. Congressman, and two U.S. Senators.

Pagan was the first Latino elected to the Teaneck Council in 2020 and was the first Latino elected Mayor in 2023. He is also a Senior Community Relations Specialist for the Bergen County Department of Planning and Engineering.

Javier Robles, J.D., is a distinguished Puerto Rican-American leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to advancing LAtino/o/x, disability rights, and public service. A proud alumnus of Seton Hall Law School and Rutgers University, where he earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Puerto Rican and Caribbean Studies, Robles combines his legal expertise with a passion for community empowerment. As an Assistant Teaching Professor in Rutgers's Kinesiology and Health Department, he directs the Center for Disability Sports, Health, and Wellness. He has played a pivotal role in creating the Disability Studies Minor at Rutgers University.

Robles is deeply committed to serving his community, holding leadership positions such as President of the Latino Action Network of New Jersey (LAN) and Chair of the New Jersey Disabilities Covid-19 Action Committee. His advocacy extends beyond the local level with appointments to national boards and commissions, including the United Spinal Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Commission on Public Health Data Systems. He was also appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to serve on the Puerto Rico Commission, reflecting his ongoing dedication to Puerto Rican and Latino issues.

In addition to his academic and leadership roles, Robles is a published writer, contributing to outlets such as Latinos NJ, ThisAbled Nation, and New Mobility. His passion for supporting others is reflected in his founding of online communities like "People with Disabilities Helping Each Other Survive the Coronavirus." Outside of work, Robles is an avid photographer, vintage glass collector, beekeeper, and gardener, embodying the values of creativity and connection that define his life.

Robles’ advocacy, leadership, and deep connection to his Puerto Rican roots underscore his tireless commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for people of all abilities.