Democratic officials in a significant blue state are encountering pushback over a recent bill aimed at reducing federal immigration enforcement, featuring a strikingly profane acronym. The F—ICE Act, which actually unfolds as “Combatting Illegal Practices and Continuing to Empower Individuals and Communities Act,” would permit civil lawsuits concerning U.S. Constitution violations during immigration enforcement activities. This legislation emerged following confrontations between federal representatives and Democratic Socialist lawmakers.
Recently, tensions between local authorities and the Department of Homeland Security escalated. Federal agents indicated their inability to assist when they were involved in detaining almost a dozen individuals on the Hudson Bergen Light Rail in Jersey City. City Councilman Jake Efros, a Democratic Socialist, approached the federal agent at the scene, only to be told, “We don’t need a warrant.”
Assembly members Ravi Barra and Katie Brennan, both from Hoboken, introduced the F—ICE Act in reaction to this incident. Barra also revealed additional legislation intended to restrict New Jersey’s cooperation with federal authorities.
Barra reflected on his tenure as mayor of Hoboken, stating that one of his initial actions was to implement a sanctuary city ordinance, emphasizing, “ICE has no place in our communities. The stakes have never been higher, and we all need to leverage our power to ensure the safety of our residents.”
Brennan highlighted Efros’ encounter with ICE in her remarks, asserting that engaging in inaction while constitutional rights are being violated is unacceptable. “These bills bolster local protections and ensure accountability for those disrupting our communities,” she stated. However, Senator Raj Mukherji from Hoboken expressed concern regarding Brennan’s approach, suggesting it felt atypical and, perhaps, uncharacteristically aggressive.
Mukherji further commented that ICE’s actions have fostered “chaos.” Yet, not every lawmaker has supported the measure, particularly those from conservative rural areas in the state’s northwestern region. Republican Assemblyman Michael Inganamort criticized the initiative as a product of unchallenged Democratic control over the past 25 years and articulated his opposition to the bill’s implications. Similarly, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia labeled the bill’s title as “wild,” and predicted it could lead to taxpayer-funded lawsuits against the state.
One conservative voice humorously suggested, “Katie and Ravi need to wash their mouths out with soap,” reflecting the bill’s controversial nature. Another Republican, Paul Kanitra, likened the F—ICE Act to indecent license plates, proposing it deserves a similar rejection from state authorities.
Governor Mikie Sherrill has yet to comment on this new initiative. In a prior move, she signed Executive Order 12, which limits ICE operations on state property and sets up a reporting portal for residents. “I am committed to ensuring the safety of New Jersey residents, and my dedication to upholding the Constitution remains steadfast,” Sherrill remarked at the time of the executive order.
