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 Applauds Proposed Increase in Funding for Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

The $20.2 million allocation announced today represents the biggest increase in DDDI funding from one fiscal year to the next.
Issue Areas: Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Responds to Use of Force by New Jersey State Police Against Delaney Hall Protesters

New Jersey's response must prioritize the safety and well-being of people – not mimic the dangerous and overly militarized tactics of the federal government.
Issue Areas: Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Responds to Reports of Violence, Unrest at Delaney Hall

These events are directly related to rampant inhumane conditions inside the facility and the Trump administration’s refusal to dedicate appropriate resources for basic human needs like food and health care.
Issue Areas: Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Statement on the Events at Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Center

People detained at Delaney Hall are facing brutal and inhumane conditions. Their families and community members who are protesting their treatment, and the elected officials who are asking to inspect the facility, should not face pepper spray and rubber bullets for doing so.
Issue Areas: Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights
Court Case
May 19, 2026

United States v. New Jersey

Amicus brief in support of the power of the State of New Jersey to implement Executive Order that limits federal civil immigration enforcement access to and use of state-owned property.
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.