NJ Legislature advances series of anti-ICE bills following fatal shooting by ICE agent in Minnesota
The action from lawmakers came just one day after 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparking protests around the country.
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Several pieces of legislation that would reduce the power federal immigration agents have in New Jersey advanced in the state house on Thursday.
The action from lawmakers came just one day after 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparking protests around the country.
Good's death led to nationwide calls for accountability, including in Newark, where advocates took to the streets as lawmakers cast their votes in Trenton.
"Walking down the street or walking with your family, going to church and being scooped up by some masked men. It's just unacceptable," said Democratic state Sen. Gordon Johnson.
Johnson sponsored or co-sponsored all of the pending bills.
The first bill would require the New Jersey attorney general to develop policies that limit where ICE officers can carry out enforcement, like churches, schools and courthouses.
The second bill would limit the collection and sharing of New Jersey residents’ personal data with ICE.
"We're not going to be sharing information just because they want it. We don't do it with citizens who are here. We're not going to allow you to do it with people who are undocumented and have not committed a crime," Johnson said.
New Jersey residents that News 12 spoke with are divided on the issues.
"I really don't agree with them going to schools and churches, but if they're trying to get the illegals out, I don't know what you're going to do," said Belleville resident Douglas.
However, state Republicans who voted against the bill said the people ICE is targeting don't need protection.
"They're not after people who are jaywalking. They're not after people here who are committing small theft matters. They're usually after our most violent criminals, the bad guys," said Republican state Sen. Michael Testa.
The third and final bill would codify an already existing directive that limits local law enforcement's ability to assist ICE in New Jersey.
"They're just snatching people from their homes. So, I mean, that's not going to stop anything. They're putting something in place to try to stop it, but let's just see how far it goes," said Jersey City resident Louis Long.
