In this time of great unrest in our country, with impeachment, war, climate change and many other crises on the horizon, we can still act locally to make change. New Jersey is known for having progressive policies, but are we known for being fast to action and instigators of national policy change?

One way to make a potentially significant impact on national immigration policy is to stand up and voice our opposition to the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This rogue, corrupt organization has been wreaking havoc on our civil rights since 2003. In our backyards, there are ICE jails in Essex, Hudson and Bergen counties illegally and unethically jailing thousands of refugees. Even worse, our county governments are profiting from these prisoners and claiming to be progressive beacons of hope at the same time. This does not feel right from either an ethical or policy perspective.

New Jersey should defend the legal and civil rights of refugees and end ICE contracts in these counties. Say no to the ICE jail in your backyard. Better yet, let’s create a state-wide ban on public and private contracts with ICE, and send a strong signal against ICE at the national level.