The North Bergen Board of Commissioners has introduced an ordinance reaffirming the Township’s commitment to protecting the civil rights, safety, and dignity of all residents, while opposing unlawful civil immigration enforcement tactics and prohibiting the use of Township-owned property for such activities. According to a press release, the ordinance “formally opposes reported unlawful enforcement practices by federal immigration agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and reinforces North Bergen’s longstanding commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust.”
Mayor Nicholas Sacco stated, “North Bergen has always been a welcoming community built by generations of immigrants, and we are committed to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of every resident. This ordinance reinforces our responsibility to serve all residents while upholding fairness, transparency, and respect throughout our community.”
Under the new law, federal immigration authorities are prohibited from using North Bergen-owned property, including parks, parking lots, and municipal facilities, as staging areas or operational bases for civil immigration enforcement. The ordinance also directs Township departments to conduct community outreach to ensure residents are informed of their rights and have access to reliable resources.
As part of this effort, the Township will work with community partners to provide multilingual know-your-rights information, host educational workshops, and share resources through Township channels, including social media, the Township website, and the North Bergen Help Desk. The ordinance also calls for identifying trusted legal assistance resources for residents and providing training for Township employees on appropriate protocols when interacting with federal immigration authorities.
“We have heard the fear and uncertainty residents are experiencing, and we will not ignore it,” added Commissioner Hugo Cabrera. “We want every resident to know that North Bergen remains a place where they are valued, protected, and supported, and where we will always stand up for our community.”
North Bergen will continue to follow the State of New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which ensures local law enforcement does not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities, helping maintain trust between residents and local officials. The ordinance takes effect 20 days following final passage.