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Hoboken Mayor Bhalla urges passage of Immigrant Trust Act
The legislation seeks to codify protections first set out in New Jersey’s 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which limited local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 20, Sep 2025
- 14:57 EDT
- 18
Mayor Bhalla / X (Mayor Bhalla)
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla renewed his call for the New Jersey Legislature to pass the Immigrant Trust Act, framing the measure as essential to protecting immigrant families against federal deportation policies.
In a video statement released on Sept. 20, Bhalla said, “Immigrants built this country and help keep our communities running, especially here in Hudson County. But as we saw this week in Jersey City, immigrant families are under attack. Masked ICE agents have detained hundreds of people across New Jersey — immigrants and citizens alike — while the Trump administration threatens cities like Hoboken for protecting their residents.”
Also Read: Hoboken Mayor Bhalla slams threats to sanctuary policy
Immigrants built this country and help keep our communities running, especially here in Hudson County.
— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) September 20, 2025
But as we saw this week in Jersey City, immigrant families are under attack. Masked ICE agents have detained hundreds of people across New Jersey — immigrants and citizens… pic.twitter.com/NFGQULkkRe
He argued the federal actions not only fail to improve safety but also discourage residents from contacting local police. “None of this makes us safer. It not only has a chilling effect in our communities, but it makes it less likely that immigrants call the police to report crimes for fear of being targeted by ICE,” Bhalla said.
Bhalla stressed that the Immigrant Trust Act would ensure residents can interact with law enforcement without fear. “We’re all better off when our immigrant neighbors can trust that they won’t be picked up by ICE when they call the police, take their children to school, or go for a medical appointment,” he said. “We’re proud to fight for the Immigrant Trust Act, proud to stand with our neighbors, and the values that make New Jersey strong.”
The legislation, introduced last year, seeks to codify protections first set out in New Jersey’s 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which limited local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies. Supporters argue that making those protections permanent would shield immigrant families regardless of political shifts in Washington.
Bhalla’s remarks come amid tension between New Jersey cities and federal authorities over sanctuary-style policies. Earlier this summer, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened Hoboken with the loss of federal funding and possible legal action if it did not roll back immigrant protection measures.
In response, Hoboken has advanced its own municipal-level measure, the Hoboken Trust Act, which would prohibit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement without a warrant and guarantee equal access to city services regardless of status.
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