Homeland Security Critiques New Jersey Immigration Bill
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized a new bill in New Jersey that seeks to penalize federal immigration enforcement agents. The department pointed out several instances of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, claiming these are being overlooked by state lawmakers.
This week, Hoboken Democrats Ravinder Barra and Katie Brennan introduced the F—ICE Act, which would allow civil lawsuits against immigration enforcement officials. The proposal gained attention after an incident involving a Democratic Socialist lawmaker from Jersey City, who faced scrutiny from federal agents while addressing a situation at the Hudson Bergen Light Rail station.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss described the bill as “abhorrent,” stating it aims to vilify police officers amid a concerning rise in attacks on law enforcement. She highlighted alarming statistics: a 1,300% increase in assaults on officers, a 3,200% rise in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000% surge in death threats against them.
Biss cautioned that interfering with police officers is “committing a felony and a federal crime.” She pointed out that what New Jersey lawmakers are trying to do is technically illegal and that federal employees performing their duties are exempt from state liability under the law.
Further, Biss referenced a grave incident where a previously criminal illegal immigrant was responsible for killing a mother and her young daughter while driving intoxicated. Meanwhile, a different controversy arose when Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey sent a strong letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, opposing the establishment of a federal facility near Lake Hopatcong.
In her letter, Sherrill expressed concerns that the proposed Roxbury Immigration Detention Center wouldn’t protect New Jersey residents, asserting that federal immigration agents frequently violate citizens’ rights and engage in brutal acts against innocent people. She noted that these behaviors have led to severe injuries and even fatalities.
Notably, Biss spoke about recent arrests of undocumented immigrants with violent crime histories, including individuals charged with serious offenses like murder and sexual abuse of minors. Sherrill’s comments and the overall situation have sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some expressing disapproval, notably during a New Jersey Devils hockey game where the governor faced boos when introduced.
