The NJ state legislature passed S3361 on June 24.  The legislation has been sitting on Governor Murphy’s desk awaiting his signature.  The law would prevent counties from signing new contacts with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).  It would also prevent Essex, Hudson and Bergen from extending their existing contracts.

The bill is a first step in getting the counties out of the "profit by incarceration” business. The people being held in immigrant detention are not being charged with any crimes; there is no reason to keep them in jail.  We should allow them to pursue their asylum cases from the safety of their families and communities.  It’s time for Governor Murphy to sign this bill into law.