New Jersey issues guidance to schools, hospitals and houses of worship on immigration enforcement
TRENTON, N.J. — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the release of six model policies intended to help schools, hospitals, shelters, houses of worship and other sensitive locations respond to federal civil immigration enforcement activities while protecting access to essential services.
The policies were issued under the Safe Communities Act, signed into law in January, and are designed to help public institutions prepare for and respond to immigration enforcement operations conducted by federal authorities.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the model policies apply to health care facilities, places of worship, social services offices, public schools, shelter facilities and correctional facilities.
“The president’s policies aren’t making our communities safer – instead, the White House has created fear that discourages people from reporting crimes or going to school,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “In New Jersey, we are charting a different path forward that respects Constitutional rights and strengthens public safety. Alongside our community partners, we are putting systems in place to protect our residents’ access to critical services including education, health care, worship services, and social services.”
The Safe Communities Act requires sensitive locations to follow the Attorney General’s model policies or adopt policies that provide greater protections, consistent with state and federal law.
“No one in our state should be afraid to go to school, get medical care, worship, or seek the help they need. But that is the tragic reality for far too many in our state, especially our immigrant communities. That’s why we must all stand together and work together to safeguard access to essential services for all New Jerseyans,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The model policies we are publishing today provide important guidance for sensitive locations – hospitals, schools, shelters, places of worship, and more – so that these institutions can more effectively protect the people they serve.”
The guidance outlines procedures for preparing for possible immigration enforcement activity, responding to requests for access or information from federal immigration officers and documenting interactions with enforcement personnel.
“These model policies strengthen the ability of civic and community institutions to protect the communities they serve,” said Yolanda N. Melville, Director of the Division on Civil Rights. “Just as everyone in the Garden State deserves to live free from discrimination and harassment, all New Jerseyans should feel safe when seeking medical care, attending school, accessing shelter and social services, and gathering to worship in our communities.”
State officials said the policies were developed in consultation with government agencies and stakeholders and include customizable templates that facilities may use when implementing the protocols.
The release of the policies follows several recent actions by the Sherrill administration related to immigration enforcement, including an executive order restricting the use of state property for civil immigration operations, legislation limiting the sharing of certain personal information by health care providers and state agencies, and the codification of New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive.
The Attorney General’s Office also noted it has filed multiple lawsuits challenging federal efforts to tie grant funding to immigration enforcement cooperation and has pursued legal action involving proposed and existing immigration detention facilities in New Jersey.
