New immigration laws in New Jersey—but are they really protecting our communities?

Last month, two bills were signed into law aiming to build trust between immigrant communities and public institutions. While they include important steps like limiting data sharing and restricting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, many advocates—including CATA—are raising concerns.

Why? Because both bills were significantly watered down from their original proposals, removing key safeguards that would have more meaningfully limited data sharing and cooperation with federal immigration authorities—leaving communities still at risk, especially as ICE presence expands in places like airports.

This moment matters—but it’s also a reminder that our communities deserve stronger, real protections.