The legal fight over New Jersey’s sanctuary city policies is back in the spotlight. Former New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal is trying to shut down a big lawsuit from the Trump administration.
Grewal represents Newark and Hoboken. He wants federal claims dismissed that challenge local laws meant to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
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This dispute has high stakes for the cities involved. It also stirs up bigger questions about constitutional law, community safety, and the role of local governments in immigration.
Background on the Sanctuary City Dispute
Several municipalities, including Newark, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Paterson, adopted sanctuary ordinances between 2017 and 2019. These policies stop police from asking about immigration status unless there’s an active criminal investigation and limit how much they work with federal immigration agencies.
City officials said the goal was to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. The Trump administration, though, claims these laws break the Constitution’s supremacy clause, which says federal law outranks state or local rules.
In May, the Department of Justice—then led by Attorney General Pam Bondi—filed a lawsuit to force the cities to drop these policies. Hoboken’s mayor, Ravi Bhalla, pushed back and said his city wouldn’t “bend its knee” to federal pressure.
Grewal’s Constitutional Argument
Grewal wrote a detailed letter to U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin, leaning on the Tenth Amendment’s anti-commandeering principle. That doctrine says the federal government can’t force states or cities to enforce federal laws, including immigration rules.
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He argued that New Jersey’s 2018 statewide sanctuary directive already covers the cities involved. So, in his view, the federal lawsuit doesn’t make sense.
Grewal also pointed out that the Trump administration tried to overturn this directive in 2020 and failed. The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision, which he says should guide the current case.
Potential Impact on New Jersey Cities
Critics warn that if this lawsuit moves forward, it could hurt the relationship between residents and police. Immigrants might feel less safe reporting crimes or helping with investigations.
Grewal argued that dragging out the legal fight risks public trust. Local leaders worry it could undermine community safety.
Political and Legal Significance
This isn’t just a local policy argument. It’s part of a bigger national struggle over states’ rights and federal power in immigration enforcement.
Sanctuary policies divide opinion. Some people see them as vital for community safety, while others think they get in the way of enforcing immigration law.
How This Ties Back to Jersey City
Jersey City is one of the cities named in the lawsuit and now finds itself in the spotlight. The city is known for its diversity and strong immigrant communities.
Jersey City has supported measures that protect residents, no matter their immigration status. This shapes its identity as a welcoming, inclusive place.
If you visit, these policies give you a glimpse into the city’s character. Whether you’re booking Jersey City hotels for a quick trip or looking for where to stay in Jersey City long-term, you’ll notice the city’s vibe.
Beyond the headlines, travelers can dive into the culture, food, and history. There’s plenty to do, from Liberty State Park to the city’s changing arts scene.
Travel and Accessibility
If you’re thinking about getting to Jersey City, you’ve got plenty of options. The city’s connected by PATH, NJ Transit, ferries, and major highways, so getting here isn’t really a hassle.
Once you arrive, it’s easy to wander through the different city districts. From the waterfront to Journal Square, you’ll notice how much diversity shapes the vibe, thanks in part to all those immigration stories that keep coming up in today’s legal debates.
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Here is the source article for this story: Trump claims about sanctuary policies ‘fail many times over,’ NJ cities tell judge
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