When Trump takes office, legislation will be introduced to repeal New Jersey’s sanctuary state status

New Jersey became a “sanctuary state” jurisdiction in March 2019, scuttling immigration enforcement efforts to operate in the Garden State. Political realities have changed nearly six years later, and the return of the Trump administration and the promise of mass deportations are encouraging some state officials to act.

On Tuesday, State Senator Doug Steinhardt (R-23) of Warren County said he was preparing legislation to attack the core of New Jersey’s sanctuary statehood regime. Specifically, a statement from the former NJGOP chairman’s office said: “The bill would require New Jersey law enforcement to notify federal immigration authorities within 24 hours of an individual’s arrest for a first- to fourth-degree felony.” Each Drug-related offenses, theft, robbery, possession of a firearm without a permit, fraud, or any other crime that results in incarceration if the person is in the United States illegally.”

Currently, local law enforcement in New Jersey is expressly prohibited from cooperating with ICE in most cases. Steinhardt’s bill would require them to do so.

“We cannot ignore the need for cooperation between state and federal authorities to ensure the efficient and economical enforcement of our laws,” said Steinhardt, who is also an attorney and a possible candidate for U.S. attorney. “This bill aims to protect the general public, protect those who are here legally or are legally applying for asylum, and ensure that people who are here illegally and commit crimes are held accountable.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin have declared their intention to fight the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts.

“The safety of New Jersey residents must always come first. “Under this bill, state law enforcement agencies would work with federal authorities to crack down on illegal immigration and ensure that those who violate the law face appropriate consequences regardless of their immigration status,” Steinhardt added.

Illegal immigration is no longer just a border state problem. According to a recent report, nearly one in 10 citizens are illegal, costing $8,000 annually per foreigner using services such as housing, medical care, education and legal fees.

Also on Tuesday, a federal appeals court ruled that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can use a Seattle airport for deportation flights.