This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:29-3 to introduce criminal penalties for individuals who harbor aliens unlawfully present in the United States, specifically when they are aware that the alien has an outstanding arrest or immigration warrant. The bill establishes that harboring or hindering the apprehension or deportation of such an alien is classified as a crime of the fourth degree. Additionally, if an unlawful alien hinders their own apprehension or deportation, they may be charged with a disorderly persons offense. The bill also includes provisions that enhance penalties for certain actions, such as obstructing law enforcement, and specifies that a term of imprisonment of not less than one year is mandatory for certain offenses.

Furthermore, the bill introduces an affirmative defense for unlawful aliens who can demonstrate that they were victims of human trafficking at the time they hindered their own apprehension or deportation. This defense aims to provide some legal protection for individuals who may have been coerced into their unlawful status. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the apprehension and deportation of unlawful aliens while imposing significant penalties for those who assist them in evading law enforcement.