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Resident urges Princeton to adopt ‘ICE-free’ municipal policy; public safety committee to review legal options
Summary
In public comment, resident Irfan Khawaja urged the council to adopt an 'ICE-free' municipal resolution limiting use of town property for federal immigration enforcement; the mayor said the public safety committee is studying legal and enforcement implications.
During the public-comment segment, Irfan Khawaja urged the Princeton mayor and council to adopt "ICE-free" legislation prohibiting the use of municipally owned property for federal immigration-enforcement purposes except in specified circumstances such as possession of a judicial warrant. Khawaja said similar measures have been adopted by several New Jersey municipalities and counties and cited recent court decisions that he said support local options.
Mayor Freda responded that the public safety committee had discussed the matter earlier in the week and that the committee will review enforcement mechanics and consult municipal attorneys before making a recommendation to the full council. The mayor characterized the issue as "in motion" within the committee, and staff will return to the governing body with legal guidance and possible draft language if appropriate.
Khajawa's remarks framed the proposal as both a legal and practical public-safety question; he urged the council to act quickly to codify protections so residents do not fear routine civic interactions. Council members did not take a vote at the meeting and said more analysis and committee recommendation are needed before any formal action.
