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. Under the new provisions, 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 establishes that an affirmative defense exists if the unlawful alien was a victim of human trafficking at the time of the offense.

The bill outlines various actions that constitute hindering apprehension or prosecution, including harboring, providing means of escape, and giving false information to law enforcement. It specifies that certain offenses carry varying degrees of penalties, with a fourth-degree crime potentially resulting in up to 18 months of imprisonment and fines, while a disorderly persons offense may lead to up to six months of imprisonment. The legislation aims to strengthen enforcement against individuals who assist unlawful aliens in evading law enforcement.