Directs AG to enter into agreement with U.S. Attorney General to empower certain corrections officers to investigate immigration status of inmates.
If enacted, this bill would amend Title 30 of the Revised Statutes, thereby impacting how state and county corrections officers engage with immigration enforcement protocols. By delegating certain investigative powers to these officers, the bill intends to streamline the process of identifying unlawful presence among inmates. This significant shift would also involve the provision of federal assistance to New Jersey to support the costs incurred during the enforcement of federal laws related to immigration and customs.
Bill A1011, titled 'An Act concerning the enforcement of federal immigration and customs law by certain corrections officers', proposes to authorize the New Jersey Attorney General to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Attorney General. This agreement aims to empower specific State and county corrections officers to investigate the immigration status of inmates at the time of their incarceration. The bill specifies that these designated officers, having undergone requisite training, would be responsible for reporting any instances of unauthorized presence in the U.S. to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Notably, the bill has sparked discussions around the balance of state versus federal enforcement, especially regarding civil liberties and community relations. Proponents assert that such measures are necessary for public safety and the lawful integrity of immigration processes. On the other hand, critics argue that empowering corrections officers could lead to racial profiling and erosion of trust in the justice system, particularly among immigrant communities. The proposal's association with federal immigration law enforcement, specifically under the controversial 287(g) program, raises concerns over potential civil rights violations.