Princeton officials urge state to pass Immigrant Trust Act in wake of ICE raids
A total of 15 people were detained during the ICE operation in Princeton in late July.
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Nearly two and a half weeks after a major U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Princeton, the council has unanimously passed a resolution urging state lawmakers and the governor to support the Immigrant Trust Act, which bolsters protections and privacy for immigrant communities.
A total of 15 people were detained during the ICE operation in Princeton in late July.
“We recognize that a resolution is not law,” said Maral Sahebjame, an organizer with Resistencia en Accion NJ, a grassroots organization that has been pushing the council on the resolution for months. “We recognize that it is a statement of concerns and demands; however, we also recognize the power that that statement can have.”
Princeton’s resolution adds the township to a growing list of nearly 15 municipalities across the state that have passed similar measures. The Immigrant Trust Act would restrict local law enforcement from asking residents seeking public services about their immigration status.
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According to Sahebjame, the council wasn't interested in passing the resolution in June. She said volunteers with Resistencia have been attending and advocating for the passage at council meetings monthly since March.
Council President Mia N. Sacks emphasized that the council’s commitment to the legislation has been consistent at its Aug. 11 meeting.
“There’s never been any ambiguity about the council’s commitment to the ITA,” said Sacks. “It provides safeguards against what is a totally broken immigration system, and I hope that we will all keep our eyes on the big picture.”
Organizers with Resistencia en Accion NJ say they hope Princeton's move will inspire other municipalities to adopt similar resolutions and translate into statewide passage.
“We're hoping that other municipalities also take pointers out of our process so that they can also implement such language into their adoption of these resolutions with the intention that this is the first step,” said Sahebjame.
The advocacy group is also calling on the Princeton Council to go beyond symbolic support by offering concrete assistance, not limited to legal aid, financial resources, and expert services to families impacted by the recent ICE raids.
“We want to work together with the council, not alone,” Sahebjame said. “We know that they have things to offer, whether they be financial, be they legal services, be they human resources in in terms of expertise in different areas. We want to work in any capacity that the council can with us to ensure better protections."
Councilmembers were not available for an interview with News 12 NJ as of airtime, but Councilwoman Leticia Fraga provided a statement.
“We are proud to have the most comprehensive Human Services department of any municipality of our size in New Jersey. Through their work, Princeton supports and empowers our immigrant community by connecting them with vital resources and services. Municipal officials and staff continue to work closely with residents, advocates, and local organizations to ensure we meet the needs of our community,” she wrote.
Rhodalynn Jones, Princeton’s human services director, also highlighted the resources and services made available to Princeton residents through the Health and Human Services departments:
A list of services and efforts performed by Health and Human Services to support the immigrant community.
Welcoming Community Since 2015:
Serving as a designated Welcoming Community to foster inclusion and belonging for immigrants.
Hosting Welcoming Week Annually: Organizing and leading annual Welcoming Week events that celebrate and support the contributions of immigrants.
Wage Theft Support:
Conducting intake interviews for wage theft claims from immigrant workers.
Acting as a liaison between the Princeton Police Department and immigrant claimants in wage theft cases.
Legal Services Connection: Linking immigrants with legal assistance for immigration-related matters.
Know Your Rights Workshops: Providing educational workshops to inform immigrants of their rights, especially in interactions with law enforcement and employers.
Tenant Rights Workshops/Housing
Hosting Tenant Rights Workshops to educate immigrant renters on their legal protections and housing-related resources.
Ensure the immigrant community is aware and utilizing housing assistance resources.
Employee Trainings:
Assist immigrant workers from retail food establishments in receiving the required safe food handling education
Healthcare and Public Assistance:
Assisting eligible immigrants in accessing healthcare coverage, immunizations, WIC, and other forms of public assistance such as Food stamps/ NJSNAP, Cash Assistance, etc.
Provide primary medical home for all uninsured and underinsured residents, regardless of immigration status.
Providing free primary care services, including immunizations necessary for K-12 enrollment.
Through CDBG funding, provide free vision and dental care for immigrants.
Access to Essential Services: Connecting immigrants to behavioral health resources, food pantries, and assistance with obtaining identification cards
Proactive Outreach in Immigrant Communities:
Assisting with individual and family safety plans.
Collaborating with Catholic Charities, Solidaridad, LALDEF, and the NJ Office for New Americans to bring services directly into the community.
Ongoing Communication and Resource Sharing: Maintaining a chat group with immigrant community members to actively share timely updates, resources, and opportunities.
Advocates are hopeful the state Legislature will act and send the legislation to Gov. Phil Murphy to sign into law.
