NEW JERSEY — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday signed a package of bills into law aimed at strengthening constitutional protections, increasing law enforcement transparency and limiting the sharing of personal data, following their approval by the New Jersey Legislature.
The measures, previously passed by lawmakers, address policing practices, data privacy and the relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
“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. 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,” said Governor Sherrill.
One of the new laws requires law enforcement officers to display visible identification and, in most cases, prohibits them from concealing their faces during public interactions. The measure includes exceptions for undercover work, medical reasons and safety concerns.
Another law, known as the “Privacy Protection Act,” limits how government agencies and health care providers collect and share personal information, aiming to prevent misuse of data and ensure residents can access services without fear.
A third law codifies the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive, first issued in 2018, which restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities in certain situations.
The legislation builds on a series of actions taken by Sherrill since taking office in January focused on immigration policy and public safety. State officials recently joined a lawsuit to block a proposed federal immigration detention facility in Roxbury Township, citing concerns it would strain local resources.
Last month, Sherrill also signed an executive order barring federal immigration agents from accessing nonpublic areas of state property without a judicial warrant. The state Attorney General’s Office has launched an online portal for residents to report interactions with federal immigration officials, and a separate website provides information about individuals’ rights.
Supporters of the legislation say the measures will help protect civil liberties, strengthen trust between communities and law enforcement, and ensure accountability.
The laws take effect as New Jersey continues to navigate debates over immigration enforcement, privacy protections and public safety at both the state and federal levels.
