The Imprisoning Illegal Aliens Act proposes to amend current New Jersey law to allow state and local entities, as well as private detention facilities, to enter into agreements for the detention of noncitizens. The bill modifies existing language to emphasize the state's responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents, including U.S. citizens and legal immigrants, while facilitating deportations in accordance with federal law. It also shifts the legislative intent from preventing agreements for civil immigration detention to providing opportunities for such agreements.

Under the new provisions, the state and local government agencies may enter into, renew, or extend immigration detention agreements, which are defined as contracts or agreements that authorize the detention of individuals for civil immigration violations. This change reverses the current prohibition on such agreements, which has been criticized for limiting revenue opportunities for state and local entities. The bill is positioned as a supportive measure for federal efforts, particularly in light of the Laken Riley Act, which aims to mandate the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4-8.15, 30:4-8.16