Immigrants' Rights

Regardless of a person’s country of origin, everyone in the United States has constitutional rights. Yet xenophobia and structural inequities mean the rights of immigrants are disproportionately violated.

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Regardless of a person’s country of origin, everyone in the United States has constitutional rights. Yet xenophobia and structural inequities mean the rights of immigrants are disproportionately violated.

Expanding the rights of immigrants is a top strategic priority of the ACLU-NJ, and we advocate on all fronts: litigation, legislation, public outreach, and organizing.

We have driven powerful advocacy to fight immigration detention, to make driver’s licenses accessible for all New Jerseyans, and to end state and local law enforcement’s participation in federal detentions and deportation actions, among other work.

The Latest

Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ and Partners File Brief in Support of Rep. LaMonica McIver

The ACLU of New Jersey, the National Women’s Law Center, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund have filed an amicus brief in support of U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver, who is facing federal charges stemming from a congressional oversight visit of Delaney Hall.
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Celebrates Immigrant Protection Bills Signed Into Law

Gov. Sherrill today signed S3522/A4070 and S3521/A4071 into law, ensuring long‑overdue protections for immigrant communities in New Jersey.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Responds to New Jersey Legislature’s Advancement of Critical Social Justice Legislation

We look forward to working with lawmakers to continue advancing legislation that better protects the constitutional rights of all New Jerseyans.
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Responds to Lawsuit Seeking to Stop the Opening of Roxbury Immigration Detention Center

The planned immigration detention center in Roxbury, NJ is yet another example of the Trump administration's cruel mass detention and deportation agenda.
Court Case
Apr 06, 2026

United States v. McIver

Amicus brief arguing that the Indictment against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver stemming from her oversight visit to an immigration detention center in Newark should be dismissed and the decision below reversed because she is entitled to legislative immunity and the charges represent improper political retribution.
Court Case
Mar 25, 2025

Mahmoud Khalil v. Donald J. Trump

Whether a legal permanent resident of the United States can be arrested and detained on the basis of their political speech and advocacy.
Court Case
Nov 05, 2025

State v. Garcia-Moronta & State v. Reyes-Rodriguez

Amicus briefs arguing that the delay in trying a defendant caused by their detention by ICE or deportation should count against the State in a speedy trial analysis when the State has failed to take reasonable steps to effectuate the defendant’s appearance for their criminal proceedings.
Court Case
Oct 28, 2025

U.S. v. Newark

Amicus brief in support of the power of the cities of Newark, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Paterson to implement community trust policies that limit voluntary collaboration between municipal agencies and federal immigration enforcement.