This week New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal made an attempt to limit local police from helping federal immigration authorities, but federal officials detained 105 people suspected of being in the country illegally.
Though the timing makes it appear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were trying to send a message to Grewal, ICE officials told radio station NJ101.5 the actions were planned before Grewal outlined his policy.
But, the station points out, ICE did also warn that the state’s new rules will result in more raids at worksites and public places.
The state attorney general argues that his policies are intended to encourage undocumented immigrants to cooperate with police, resulting in a safer community for everyone. Law enforcement may not inquire about a person’s immigration status unless it is relevant to an investigation, nor can departments assist ICE in any civil immigration enforcement efforts. Grewal also said county jails can’t honor ICE detention requests to hold suspects longer than their scheduled release, nor can they let ICE know about an inmate’s release date unless that person is charged with a serious criminal offense.
Quote of the Day: The fact that somebody wouldn’t get to $15 for 11 years is, I have to admit, a bone in my throat,” — Gov. Phil Murphy, reacting to legislation by fellow Democrats to gradually raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.
ICE Busts 105 in NJ as State Announces Sanctuary Rules
Immigration officials last week arrested 105 people in New Jersey suspected of being in the country illegally, including four people with international criminal warrants.
NJ101.5 Read more
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At a lavish inaugural gala in March for the new mayor of Atlantic City at Resorts Casino, donors and supporters with business before the city paid up to $35,000 per table to celebrate with the new administration. Among the revelers was the former basketball star Dennis Rodman, wearing tinted shades and a black hat as he strolled past an ice sculpture and stacks of cured meat and fresh mozzarella.
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In the post-election credit claiming and blaming game that parses kudos and raspberries to all of the relevant political actors, there has been a dearth of credit given to the one individual who is quite possibly responsible for New Jersey’s blue wave, the person who single-handedly did more to send two additional Democrats to the House of Representatives (and perhaps two others), and for helping U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez retain his seat: South Jersey Democratic political leader George Norcross.
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Phil Murphy Dumps Chris Christie’s Septic Plan for Highlands
Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration is officially dumping a plan made by his predecessor that would have allowed more development in the Highlands reservoir region by increasing the amount of septic systems permitted in an area protected by state law.
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Petition to Change Holland Tunnel Decorations
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