Morristown Council urges governor to sign three immigrant-protection bills after local ICE activity

Morristown Town Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution urging Gov. Phil Murphy to sign three bills passed by the Legislature that the council said would protect sensitive places, limit certain data sharing and codify the state’s immigrant-trust practices.

The resolution, R-46, commends passage of the Safe Communities Act, the Privacy Protection Act and legislation codifying the Immigrant Trust Directive and urges the governor to sign the measures before his term ends. The motion to adopt passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes; Councilman Silva was excused.

The vote came after residents described widespread concern and confusion following recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in and around Morristown. "What's happened with ICE over the last week has been extraordinarily alarming and very disheartening," resident Rosie Kitson said, asking the council for guidance on how neighbors can support affected residents.

Alicia Colon, speaking at her first council meeting, urged the town to organize "know your rights" presentations, distribute information in multiple languages, set up pro bono legal clinics and consider an immigration-court accompaniment program. "These are our people," Colon said, citing school absences after the activity and urging the town to marshal available resources.

An earlier written statement from Councilman Silva, read for him at the meeting, said the recent raids "raised serious concerns, particularly because local officials were not informed" and argued that raids targeted areas where Hispanic residents gather. The statement called for immigration reform to protect families who have built lives and businesses in Morristown.

Town officials urged caution about commenting on individual legal matters. A member of the council’s leadership staff told the council the town had not been served with any complaint or lawsuit as of the meeting and recommended officials refrain from commenting on matters that might be pending litigation.

Mayor Gordon described steps the town is taking: he said town staff are coordinating with families and state and federal offices, and that family members can seek help through congressional offices to locate detainees. "The police department in the town does not get notified when ICE comes into town," the mayor said, adding that the administration is working with school officials on established protocols to keep students safe and that the town is assembling volunteer legal assistance and other supports.

The resolution’s text says the three bills together "reinforce due process, protect privacy, and help maintain the trust between residents and local government." With Councilman Silva absent and the remaining members voting, the council transmitted its support to the governor’s office.

Next steps: R-46 will be transmitted to the governor’s office; council members said they will continue coordinating with the administration, school officials and community groups to implement supports and public information efforts.