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Resident urges protections for immigrants; mayor says borough will follow state and federal directives
Summary
At a public comment period, resident Allen Swanson urged the council to note immigrant fears after enforcement actions and referenced the 'Immigrant Trust Act' (bill number given in the comment). Mayor Morgan replied that local police will follow directives from the New Jersey attorney general and federal law, and that the borough will not adopt a policy superseding state or federal law.
Allen Swanson, a resident of 47 Overhill Road, told the council that immigrants in town are frightened by recent enforcement actions and thanked officials for publishing guidance on residents’ rights. Swanson said some municipalities have passed resolutions supporting cooperation with federal immigration agents and referenced what he called the "Immigrant Trust Act" (a bill he cited as 3672), saying publicity around raids could move that legislation forward.
"The people that work in these environments are actually scared," Swanson said, adding that the borough’s publicly posted directives are important in reassuring non‑English‑speaking residents.
Mayor Morgan responded directly to the public comment, saying that borough police will follow directives from the New Jersey attorney general and that federal law supersedes local policy. "We follow the directives of the attorney general of New Jersey," the mayor said, and emphasized that local officers will enforce criminal law regardless of immigration status but will not proactively seek out noncitizens.
Council members and staff also pointed residents to upcoming public events for further information: a police‑department town hall (Feb. 19) and a March 11 council meeting Q&A on affordable housing and related issues. No council vote or policy change regarding immigration enforcement was taken at the meeting.
