WHEREAS, on April 28, 2025, the President of the United States issued an Executive Order establishing that the designation of jurisdictions as “sanctuary” states and cities violates, obstructs, and defies the enforcement of Federal immigration laws; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has taken measures that, in the opinion of the Township Council of the Township of Jackson, hinder local law enforcement efforts by implementing "sanctuary" policies which prohibit local police departments from communicating and coordinating with federal agencies on certain arrests to fully enforce all laws, including federal laws; and
WHEREAS, it is the belief of this Township Council that the State's sanctuary policies are harmful to residents' health, safety, and welfare for numerous reasons including undermining local law enforcement, encouraging violations of federal immigration law, and jeopardizing receipt of federal funding; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council opposes the State's sanctuary policies and believes the State should focus on improving government efficiency for the betterment of its residents rather than taking positions on illegal immigration in conflict with federal government authorities; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, cannot through its implementation of sanctuary policies nor any other law, compel the Township or its officials to limit their efforts to protect residents from crime, nor can any state law compel Township-affiliated agencies to violate any federal laws in the execution of their municipal functions; and
WHEREAS, the Township's Police Department and other Departments of the Township, such as the Township Administrator's Office and the Township Council have an affirmative duty to not violate any State or federal laws; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council resolves to continue placing the needs of its residents first by never having the Township of Jackson become designated as a "sanctuary city".