JERSEY CITY, NJ – Yesterday, Congressmembers Rob Menendez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver held a virtual Know Your Rights information session with the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ). The training session follows ICE activity in Jersey City and Hoboken. The information session informed constituents of their rights and how to remain safe should they be approached by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents and other federal immigration enforcement agents.
“Community is how we keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Menendez. “When the Trump Administration and ICE agents believe they are above the law, it is more important than ever before for our residents to be informed about their rights. That’s why we will continue to provide information, answer questions, and ensure our community members understand their rights should they encounter ICE. I am grateful to my colleagues Bonnie Watson Coleman and LaMonica McIver, as well as ACLU-NJ for partnering with us on the important work of protecting our communities.”
“We understand that our immigrant neighbors are a vital part of the fabric of our communities, of our great state,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “And we understand it’s our duty as New Jerseyans and as Americans to defend our communities. ICE’s crimes must be recorded for the day when those who have violated our rights face justice. It’s up to us to serve as witnesses now.”
“ICE should be abolished. This rogue agency should not exist. But while it does, we must stand up for each other and doing that starts with knowing what our rights are,” said Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. “Coming together at this moment to learn about those rights and protect them is critical and I am proud to be standing with Rep. Menendez, Rep. Watson Coleman, and the ACLU in this work.”
“In this unprecedented time – as the Trump administration continues its attacks on immigrant families and brutalizes our communities – knowing your rights may be the difference that ensures your safety," said ACLU-NJ Staff Attorney Dillon Reisman. "We’re grateful for the leadership of Rep. Menendez, Rep. McIver, and Rep. Watson Coleman in creating this space for New Jerseyans to empower themselves with knowledge of their fundamental rights.”
Since coming to Congress, Rep. Rob Menendez has been a leader on fighting for immigrant rights. Menendez is an original cosponsor of articles of impeachment for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, has called for the end of ICE, and led efforts to demand that ICE agents identify themselves when conducting enforcement operations. Earlier this year, Menendez was on the ground in Minnesota for a field hearing, listening to the testimony of victims of ICE and DHS’s abuses and state and local elected officials. Last year, Reps. Menendez, Watson Coleman, and McIver were conducting legal oversight at the Delaney Hall detention facility when they were confronted by over 20-armed ICE and HSI agents in an incident that gained national attention.
This information session follows another held by the three Congressmembers last week for legal observers. Know Your Rights flyers are available in 12 different languages here.
