New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill (D) signed bills targeting immigration enforcement actions, such as barring masks from ICE agents and prohibiting the collection of personal data as it relates to immigration status.
“These bills underscore that here in New Jersey, we still follow the Constitution and uphold the rule of law. My focus as governor remains on keeping the public safe. As we’ve seen across the country, Donald Trump’s untrained, unaccountable, masked ICE agents are putting people in danger,” said Sherrill. “That’s why in New Jersey, we are protecting our communities – strengthening our protections, banning ICE agents from wearing masks, and protecting residents’ privacy from federal overreach.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told NBC10 that preventing ICE agents from wearing masks is “despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers.”
“This law from sanctuary politicians in New Jersey is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous,” DHS added. “ICE officers wear face coverings for one reason: to protect themselves and their families from real-world threats including agitators. The danger is not hypothetical. Public databases and online “lists” have been created to expose officers’ identities. Today, our ICE law enforcement officers face a more than 1,300% increase in assaults, 3,300% increase in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them.”
Sherrill previously sought to offer state residents an online portal to report ICE activities. During an appearance on Comedy Central, she said, “We are also going to be standing up a portal so people can upload all their cellphone videos and alert people. If you see an ICE agent in the street, get your phone out, we want to know.”
