Latino Action Network Foundation Celebrates Historic Final Passage of Immigrant Protection Bills; Urges Governor Murphy’s Immediate Signature

The Latino Action Network Foundation today celebrated the historic final passage of a landmark package of immigrant protection bills (A6308/S5036, A6309/S5037 and A6310/S5038) by both houses of the New Jersey Legislature. This decisive action codifies and expands the state’s commitment to protecting its immigrant communities by drawing a clear line between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

LANF extended its deepest gratitude to the legislative leaders who championed these measures during the final days of the lame duck session, including Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. The organization also recognized the tireless efforts of partner advocacy organizations, including Make the Road New Jersey and the Alliance for Immigrant Justice, whose years of organizing made this victory possible.

Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz, Executive Director of the Latino Action Network Foundation, issued the following statement:

Today, New Jersey has sent a powerful message that we will not stand by while an out-of-control federal administration violates the rights of our neighbors and terrorizes our communities. The final passage of these bills is a monumental victory for justice that ensures New Jersey remains a state where families can go to work, send their children to school, and seek life-saving medical care without the paralyzing fear of deportation.

For too long, the fear of immigration raids has had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of our families. We have seen parents avoid hospitals and enrollment in programs like NJ Family Care because they are terrified of being harassed or arrested. By limiting unneeded information sharing and ensuring safe, unimpeded access to schools, hospitals, and libraries, these measures will protect the very fabric of our diverse state.

We want to particularly thank Senate President Scutari, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, Senator Ruiz and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano for their leadership in moving this package across the finish line. We also stand in solidarity with our partners, particularly Nedia Morsy, Director of Make the Road New Jersey and Amy Torres, Executive Director of the Alliance for Immigrant Justice, whose advocacy has helped bring us this victory. We now call on Governor Murphy — who has long focused on building a stronger and fairer New Jersey — to quickly sign these bills into law. Our immigrant neighbors, who make up nearly a quarter of our population and are vital to our economy and culture, cannot afford to wait any longer.