Governor Mikie Sherrill's Plan to Track ICE Activity Raises Questions About Effectiveness and Vulnerability of Residents
In an effort to counter the secrecy surrounding federal immigration agents, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has proposed a website that allows people to upload videos of immigration enforcement activity. However, many immigrant activists argue that this plan may not be enough to effectively protect vulnerable residents.
The online portal, which will be run by the state Attorney General's Office, aims to provide transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement tactics. Governor Sherrill emphasized the importance of documentation and ensuring public safety. However, some advocates are skeptical about the portal's ability to deliver these benefits in a timely manner.
"I'm concerned that submissions to this portal will get lost in the ether," said Itzel Hernandez, an organizer with American Friends Service Committee. "What happens after the report? What does accountability look like?"
Hernandez and other immigrant activists want more concrete actions from Governor Sherrill, such as codifying a directive restricting when local police can aid federal immigration agents and putting new privacy protections in place.
Governor Sherrill's plan has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised her efforts to increase transparency, while others are concerned that the portal will not move quickly enough to inform people of immigration agents in their towns.
"This is a little bit of a miss," Hernandez said. "We need something more tangible and concrete than just a website."
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union), who sponsored the bill for privacy protections, agrees that the portal is part of a broader commitment to protecting communities.
"The portal is not the end of the conversation – it's just one step in the right direction," she said. "I intend to continue introducing legislation that protects all communities and defends civil rights."
As the debate continues, advocates are emphasizing the importance of community action and the need for more concrete measures to protect vulnerable residents.
"People have a constitutional right to record and hold their government accountable," said Henal Patel, law and policy director at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. "In these times, it will be brave acts of community members that make all the difference."
In an effort to counter the secrecy surrounding federal immigration agents, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has proposed a website that allows people to upload videos of immigration enforcement activity. However, many immigrant activists argue that this plan may not be enough to effectively protect vulnerable residents.
The online portal, which will be run by the state Attorney General's Office, aims to provide transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement tactics. Governor Sherrill emphasized the importance of documentation and ensuring public safety. However, some advocates are skeptical about the portal's ability to deliver these benefits in a timely manner.
"I'm concerned that submissions to this portal will get lost in the ether," said Itzel Hernandez, an organizer with American Friends Service Committee. "What happens after the report? What does accountability look like?"
Hernandez and other immigrant activists want more concrete actions from Governor Sherrill, such as codifying a directive restricting when local police can aid federal immigration agents and putting new privacy protections in place.
Governor Sherrill's plan has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised her efforts to increase transparency, while others are concerned that the portal will not move quickly enough to inform people of immigration agents in their towns.
"This is a little bit of a miss," Hernandez said. "We need something more tangible and concrete than just a website."
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union), who sponsored the bill for privacy protections, agrees that the portal is part of a broader commitment to protecting communities.
"The portal is not the end of the conversation – it's just one step in the right direction," she said. "I intend to continue introducing legislation that protects all communities and defends civil rights."
As the debate continues, advocates are emphasizing the importance of community action and the need for more concrete measures to protect vulnerable residents.
"People have a constitutional right to record and hold their government accountable," said Henal Patel, law and policy director at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. "In these times, it will be brave acts of community members that make all the difference."
but some activists are worried it won't work cuz it's just a website 
what if ppl dont put vids or somethin? how does that even help? 
and some ppl think its not enuf to stop the cops from helping ICE... like, cant we jus have clear rules on when they can do that tho? 
but im glad theres people who still care about holding gov accountable 
... but seriously, it's cool that Governor Sherrill is trying to be transparent about immigration enforcement. though, i feel for those activists who are skeptical 'bout the portal's effectiveness. i mean, what if it just becomes a digital file folder & not actual action? 
idk, maybe they should just call it "ICE Hunter" 
& let people track down those agents themselves...
. I mean, what's the point of having a website if people can't trust their local cops not to tip off ICE? We need concrete changes, like stricter guidelines for police cooperation and better protection for renters whose landlords are renting out to undocumented immigrants without proper checks 
. And let's be real, it's gonna take a lot more than just a website to convince people that they can trust the government on this stuff 
.
. and what's the point of havin a portal if nobody knows how to use it or whats on it? 
. we need real action, not just some token gestures 
. and what about the ppl who cant upload vids or dont even have internet access? are they just supposed to sit idly by while ICE is doin their thang? 
no way, we need community leaders and organizations doin the heavy lifting here 