In response to the U.S. Justice Department joining the lawsuits brought on by two New Jersey counties against the State Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, grassroots and civil rights groups made the following statements:

“Another day, another effort by the Trump administration to demonize immigrants. But their desperate efforts only demonstrate that they are losing their war on immigrants when we champion our civil and human rights. We will not be silent while these anti-immigrant sheriffs side with hate, against our neighbors and loved ones.” – Jairo Palomo, Community Organizer, Unidad Latina en Acción NJ

“The Trump administration has persistently worked to undermine what the people and elected officials have chosen in New Jersey. The top law-enforcement official of our state has worked with immigrant communities and immigrant advocates to design policies that keep our communities the safest. We know that the attacks from Cape May, Ocean County, and the Justice Department are fueled by xenophobia and white supremacy, and we will continue to support initiatives that allow our communities to live with dignity.” – Kevin Escobar, Organizer and Advocacy Assistant, Wind of the Spirit

“Casa Freehold is in total agreement with AG Grewal’s Immigrant Trust Directive. He is the highest legal authority in our state, and the directive was put in place to protect all New Jerseyans. Our current federal administration has no respect for the law.” – Rita Dentino, Executive Director, Casa Freehold

“This is an anti-immigrant action and we cannot tolerate these attacks on our communities. With working people across the country, the Laundry Workers Center denounces this oppression in New Jersey. The Trump administration will continue to seek to divide and distract the public, but these efforts will only galvanize us to stand together for truth.” – Mahoma Lopez, Co-Director, Laundry Workers Center

“The Immigrant Trust Directive of New Jersey is a progressive response to the welfare of working men and women living in the Garden State. Our state government has responded to the need to create a relationship of trust and cooperation between the community and the police in our state. We consider this lawsuit a clear threat to New Jersey’s constitutional rights.” – Teresa Vivar, Executive Director of Lazos America Unida and President of The Latin American Outreach Committee of Fuerza Migrante.

“People shouldn’t have to go around in fear of deportation if they want to report a crime, including those committed by unscrupulous employers against their workers. Removing the Immigrant Trust Directive creates a lack of trust for people to report, and ultimately eliminate, that kind of crime.” – Louis Kimmel, Executive Director New Labor

“Today is a stark reminder that we must continue the work of empowering our immigrant brothers and sisters of New Jersey, especially from Cape May County and Ocean County, in order to rise up against racist elected officials who continue to advocate for increased collaboration with ICE and disastrous programs like 287(g).” – Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez of El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City.