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

Broad New Jersey Coalition Requests to Join as Friend of the Court in Support of Limiting Use of State Property for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement

Executive Order 12 is an appropriate and constitutional response to ICE's escalating and violent immigration enforcement tactics.
Issue Areas: Immigration Enforcement & Detention, Immigrants' Rights
Court Cases: United States v. New Jersey
News & Commentary
Two protest signs are held up against a clear blue sky. One sign reads, "NJ SAYS NO DICE TO ICE!" The other sign says, "Welcome the Stranger - Pope Francis." A construction vehicle and utility wires are visible in the background.

May Day Strong

For more than century, May Day has inspired action and mobilization for social justice movements.
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

Over 120 Civil Society Groups Issue Travel Advisory for U.S. Ahead of FIFA World Cup

More than 120 civil society groups issued a travel advisory warning that people traveling for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup could be at risk of serious rights violations
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Racial & Economic Justice
News & Commentary
Immigrantpower

Everyone Deserves to Feel Safe in the Place They Call Home

Immigrants make our country more vibrant and stronger. The United States would not be the country it is without immigrant communities and nor would New Jersey. 
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.