New Jersey Democrats Introduce “F*** ICE Act” Targeting Federal Immigration Enforcement
Democratic lawmakers in the New Jersey General Assembly have introduced a bill with a pointed acronym: the Fight Unlawful Conduct and Keep Individuals and Communities Empowered Act, or the “F*** ICE Act.”
The proposed legislation would create a state-level civil cause of action, allowing individuals to sue in state court if they believe their constitutional rights were violated during federal immigration enforcement operations.
Why the Bill Was Introduced
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security, has faced mounting criticism in recent years. Allegations include excessive use of force, racial profiling and aggressive enforcement tactics.
Since President Donald Trump returned to office, federal immigration agents have fatally shot at least three known U.S. citizens during enforcement actions: Renée Good, Alex Pretti and Ruben Ray Martinez. Those incidents have intensified scrutiny of federal operations and renewed calls for oversight at the state level.
Supporters of the New Jersey legislation say it aims to increase accountability and protect immigrant communities.
What the Legislation Would Do
The bill is sponsored by Assemblymembers Katie Brennan and Ravi Bhalla. It would permit individuals to file civil lawsuits in state court for alleged violations of the U.S. Constitution connected to immigration enforcement activities.
The measure is part of a broader legislative package introduced by state Democrats. Other proposals in the package would:
Bar former federal immigration agents from holding certain public jobs in New Jersey.
Impose a tax on private detention centers that contract with the federal government.
Restrict federal immigration agents’ ability to operate at state and local crime scenes.
Prohibit the use of state-owned property as staging grounds for immigration enforcement operations.
The bills were introduced shortly after ICE agents detained 10 individuals near a light rail station on the Hoboken–Jersey City border, according to state lawmakers.
New Jersey as a Flashpoint
New Jersey has become a focal point in national immigration debates. Delaney Hall in Newark, a privately operated detention facility that can hold up to 1,000 migrants, has drawn criticism over alleged permitting and safety concerns.
In May 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was briefly charged with trespassing during a visit to the facility; those charges were later dropped. Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was also charged with assaulting federal officers during the same incident, and her case is still moving through the courts.
In January, Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued an executive order barring ICE from using state property for enforcement actions and encouraged residents to report encounters with immigration agents through an online portal.
Supporters and Critics Weigh In
Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla said in a statement that the legislation reflects the urgency he sees in protecting immigrant residents.
“ICE has no place in our communities,” Bhalla said. “Now, the stakes are even higher, and it is incumbent on all of us to use the power we have to keep our residents safe.”
Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill added that the state is using “every tool available” to protect due process and human rights.
The Department of Homeland Security pushed back. A spokesperson said critics are unfairly blaming federal agents instead of addressing what the agency describes as rising hostility toward law enforcement.
“Politicians are laying blame at the feet of law enforcement instead of looking in the mirror,” the spokesperson said.
Broader Implications
The “F*** ICE Act” underscores the deep divide between federal immigration authorities and some state governments. If enacted, the law could set up legal battles over the balance of power between state courts and federal enforcement operations.
The proposal reflects a broader national debate over immigration enforcement, constitutional protections and the role of local governments in resisting federal policies.
Whether the legislation advances or faces legal challenges, it signals that immigration policy will remain a central political flashpoint heading into the next election cycle.
