The New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act is designed to enhance protections for immigrants by ensuring their safety and constitutional rights when interacting with government agencies, regardless of their immigration status. The bill asserts that the enforcement of federal immigration law is a federal responsibility and should not compromise local public safety priorities. It prohibits state, county, and municipal law enforcement from inquiring about an individual's immigration status or detaining individuals based on civil immigration warrants, which do not meet the same legal standards as criminal warrants. Additionally, the act restricts government entities and healthcare facilities from collecting immigration-related information unless strictly necessary for service eligibility assessments.
The bill also mandates that law enforcement agencies report their interactions with immigration authorities, including detainer requests and interviews, to the Attorney General, who will publish this information annually. It emphasizes the protection of personal and identifying information, allowing its collection only when necessary for program administration and limiting disclosure unless legally required. Furthermore, the Attorney General is tasked with developing model policies for sensitive locations, such as schools and healthcare facilities, to ensure they remain safe and accessible. Overall, the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act aims to foster trust between immigrant communities and public agencies, promoting inclusivity while aligning law enforcement practices with the established prohibitions.