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Madison council adopts resolution backing New Jersey Immigration Trust Act; public comment split
Summary
Madison’s Borough Council voted unanimously to adopt resolution 3‑37 supporting state legislation to codify New Jersey’s Attorney General immigration trust directive after more than a dozen residents spoke both for and against the measure.
Madison’s Borough Council voted unanimously to adopt resolution 3‑37, signaling local support for legislation that would codify the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigration Trust directive.
The measure — described by council members as a local endorsement of existing state guidance — passed after an extended public-comment period in which residents expressed sharply different views. Supporters, including volunteers and teachers, said the resolution will reduce fear among immigrant residents and encourage crime reporting and use of public services. Opponents asked for more details about potential impacts on resources and public safety and criticized language in the resolution that calls on state legislators to cosponsor the bill.
Mayor opened the council’s discussion by noting the attorney general’s directive has guided local practice since 2018 and “does not prevent officers from enforcing valid court orders” or from responding to exigent circumstances. The mayor said the resolution’s intent is to reduce fear of reporting crimes and to protect access to health care, schools and libraries.
In public comment, Lisa Jordan said she volunteered in Trenton to lobby for the bill and urged council support, while John Dew asked for clearer information about tax and public-safety consequences. Michael Martinez asked the council to remove the resolution’s final sentence that explicitly calls on the borough’s state representatives to cosponsor the bill; Councilwoman Rachel said she would contact local legislators and both approaches could be pursued.
Councilmembers framed the vote as codifying long-standing state policy, not creating new protections for people who commit crimes. Councilmembers also emphasized the Madison Police Department continues to follow state Attorney General guidance on local enforcement.
The council adopted resolution 3‑37 by roll call vote; the clerk recorded each member as voting yes. The council removed the resolution from the consent agenda earlier in the meeting to allow for public comment and discussion.
The resolution’s formal texts and background materials — including the AG directive referenced by council members — were cited during debate; residents were encouraged to consult nj.gov/trust for further details.
