ACLU-NJ Responds to US v. Newark Ruling in Support of Community Trust Policies

NEWARK – Today U.S. District Court Judge Evelyn Padin issued an opinion in U.S. v. Newark dismissing the federal government’s lawsuit against four New Jersey cities – Newark, Paterson, Jersey City, and Hoboken – over their Community Trust Policies, which limit voluntary collaboration between municipal agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement.

The ACLU-NJ filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of 30 community organizations in support of the Community Trust Policies, arguing that these policies promote the safety, health, and welfare of all City residents, regardless of immigration status.

Amol Sinha, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey, issued the following statement:

"This dismissal is a win for New Jersey communities and for the rule of law. Community trust policies help people access public services without fear of family separation, which improves well-being for everyone. Public safety is strengthened when people can report crimes, and public health is improved when people can seek medical care. New Jersey and its cities have every right to invest in policies that support the welfare of our communities."

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The ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all since our founding in 1960. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and expand the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities. We strive to be anti-racist and are actively committed to advancing racial justice for the people of New Jersey. We are a non-partisan organization that operates across political, legal, and cultural fronts to bring about change and build a more equitable society. www.aclu-nj.org