The New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act is designed to enhance protections for immigrants by establishing clear guidelines for interactions between government agencies and federal immigration authorities. The Act emphasizes that the enforcement of federal immigration laws is the responsibility of federal authorities and should not interfere with local public safety priorities. It prohibits state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies from inquiring about an individual's immigration status or detaining individuals based on civil immigration warrants or detainers. Additionally, the Act restricts government entities and healthcare facilities from collecting immigration-related information unless strictly necessary for assessing eligibility for public services.
To ensure compliance, the Attorney General is responsible for developing training and guidance for law enforcement officials, as well as creating model policies for sensitive locations like healthcare facilities and schools. The bill also requires law enforcement agencies to provide written explanations to individuals in custody regarding compliance with immigration detainers and mandates detailed reporting of interactions with immigration authorities. Furthermore, any existing agreements that conflict with the new provisions will be rendered void, and the Attorney General will publish compliance reports to foster transparency. Overall, the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act aims to build trust between immigrant communities and public agencies, encouraging individuals to seek necessary services without fear of immigration enforcement.