(PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY) Princeton officials are pressing state lawmakers to pass the Immigrant Trust Act after two July ICE raids swept up local residents without prior notice, shaking confidence in public safety systems and city hall. On July 23 and 24, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained 16 Princeton residents in separate operations, according to local advocates.
The Princeton Council responded on August 11–12, 2025 by passing a resolution urging Trenton to enact the bill, known as S3672/A4987, which would limit how local agencies share information with federal immigration officers. With that vote, Princeton became the 14th municipality in New Jersey to endorse the measure — a step supporters say is needed so immigrants can seek help from schools, the DMV, and clinics without fearing that their data will be turned over to ICE.
July and Earlier ICE Operations: Local Impact
The July arrests followed an earlier operation in late August 2024 that detained 15 people on their way to work at a landscaping company, advocates said. Municipal officials and police reported they received no advance notice of any of the actions, a gap that fueled confusion and worry across Princeton neighborhoods.
Families told community groups that relatives were moved quickly, sometimes out of state, making visits costly and complicated. Breadwinners lost wages overnight, and parents scrambled to find childcare. Local leaders warned that when people think a call to 911 could trigger questions about immigration status, they stop reporting crimes or seeking help — which is the environment the Immigrant Trust Act is meant to address, according to supporters.
Local Resolution Follows July Arrests
Princeton’s resolution, adopted over two evenings on August 11–12, 2025, capped months of grassroots organizing, town halls, and door-to-door outreach led by Resistencia en Acción NJ. The group runs a rapid response network and delivers legal and financial help to families after ICE raids.
Executive Director Ana Paola Pazmiño called the measure a “community win” and urged the town to keep building safety plans, including ways to alert residents quickly when ICE activity is reported. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Princeton is the 14th municipality in New Jersey to publicly back the Immigrant Trust Act.
The Mayor and Council condemned the ICE raids and expressed solidarity with affected families, saying Princeton’s strength lies in its diversity and inclusion. The resolution urges the state to codify limits so that local agencies do not collect or share personal information for federal immigration purposes, allowing people to go to the DMV, public schools, and health clinics without fear that routine visits could trigger detention. Officials also stressed that local police were not informed ahead of the operations, and that the lack of notice undermined public confidence.
“When people think a call to 911 could trigger questions about immigration status, they stop reporting crimes or seeking help.”
— Local leaders and supporters of the Immigrant Trust Act
What the Immigrant Trust Act Would Do
The Immigrant Trust Act (ITA), filed as S3672/A4987, would set statewide rules that limit cooperation between local and state agencies and federal immigration authorities. Its core goals include:
- Restricting the sharing of personal data with ICE
- Barring the use of local resources to enforce federal immigration law
- Formally separating community policing from immigration enforcement
Supporters argue that clear lines will make immigrant residents more likely to report crimes, seek medical care, and enroll children in school.
Legislative status and concerns
- The bill was introduced in late 2024 but had not advanced in the Legislature as of mid-2025.
- Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Attorney General Matt Platkin have raised concerns that the ITA could undermine existing pro-immigrant protections already in place in New Jersey.
- That hesitation has stalled hearings, even as towns pass resolutions to keep the issue in front of state leaders.
- Princeton officials say the local vote adds public pressure while signaling residents’ priorities.
Full bill information for S3672 and A4987 is available on the New Jersey Legislature’s official website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/.
Practical Effects for Families and Community Supports
For families, the practical effects envisioned by supporters are immediate and concrete:
- Easier driver’s license renewals
- Safer check-ins with school counselors
- Less fear when visiting clinics or other local services
Advocates say stronger privacy rules will help police focus on safety, not immigration status.
Resistencia en Acción NJ has been supporting those affected by the ICE raids, offering:
- Legal referrals
- Financial assistance
- Rapid response when arrests are reported
The group’s hotline for reporting ICE activity is (640) 466-2386. Volunteers report seeing the financial and emotional toll when relatives are detained and sometimes transferred to out-of-state detention centers, increasing travel costs and complicating visitation.
Princeton’s municipal website has posted statements and civic alerts addressing community concerns after the arrests. Town officials said they will continue coordination with community groups, faith leaders, and school districts to share plain-language information, including how residents can verify rumors and where to find help.
Broader Context and Next Steps
New Jersey has adopted several pro-immigrant measures in recent years, and supporters frame the ITA as the next step to lock in those gains during a year of increased federal enforcement.
2025 has brought a wave of rallies and neighborhood organizing across the state and country, with residents:
- Documenting arrests
- Fundraising for bond and rent
- Pressing local officials for clearer rules
Municipal leaders cannot change federal law, but they can set local limits on:
- When information is shared
- How resources are used
- How residents are kept informed
What comes next depends on the Legislature’s calendar and whether leaders schedule hearings. As of August 2025, there is no timeline for a vote. Princeton and allied towns plan to keep passing resolutions and meeting with lawmakers to push the Immigrant Trust Act onto the agenda.
Community groups are asking for concrete local steps:
- Multilingual alert systems for reported ICE activity
- Training for staff at schools and clinics
- Funding for legal and social services
Residents worried about a family member’s case are encouraged by advocates to contact local organizations rather than sharing details on social media where rumors can spread.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE raids in July 2025 detained 16 Princeton residents, prompting Princeton’s August resolution urging S3672/A4987 passage. Organizers demand privacy protections so immigrants can safely access DMV, schools, and clinics. Resistencia en Acción NJ offers legal support and rapid response while towns press state lawmakers for hearings and action.
