ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Ravi Bhalla introduces ‘F**K ICE’ bill in NJ
The New Jersey measure would allow civil lawsuits to be filed over ICE enforcement actions.
-
1759163132.png)
Anushka Pathak - Sat, 21, Feb 2026
- 17:17 EST
- 25
Ravi Bhalla / Courtesy: X/Ravi Bhalla
New Jersey Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla has introduced the Fight Unlawful Conduct and Keep Individuals and Communities Empowered Act (A4446)—informally dubbed the “F**K ICE” Act—in a fresh push to curb Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and expand protections for immigrant communities across the state.
The legislation, co-sponsored with Assemblymember Katie Brennan, permits citizens to sue the federal government if they believe their U.S. Constitutional rights were violated during an immigration enforcement action.
ALSO READ: Bhalla backs Mamdani’s stand against ICE
The bill follows an ICE operation earlier in Feb. 2026 that detained 10 people outside a light rail station on the Hoboken-Jersey City border. Critics have highlighted tactics such as warrantless raids, masked agents in unmarked vehicles, and enforcement near workplaces and schools.
“Actions have consequences. If ICE agents are going to break our laws and terrorize our communities, they must be held accountable and brought to justice,” Bhalla, who previously served as the mayor of Hoboken, said in a post on X.
Actions have consequences. If ICE agents are going to break our laws and terrorize our communities, they must be held accountable and brought to justice. Our bill would expand the right of victims to sue ICE for violating their constitutional rights.https://t.co/REWOBnhDGB
— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) February 21, 2026
Earlier this month, Bhalla introduced a related package of bills with co-sponsors including Brennan, Assemblymembers Annette Quijano and Alixon Collazos-Gill, and State Sen. Raj Mukherji, to protect citizens during ICE operations.
The legislations build on New Jersey's Immigrant Trust Directive and the Safe Communities Act, signed into law last month by former Gov. Phil Murphy, which restrict local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Brennan, a Democrat from Hudson County representing the 32nd District alongside Bhalla, is the primary sponsor of A4446. The bill has drawn attention for its acronym, widely interpreted in media reports as carrying a pointed message against ICE.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login