Full Notification

Below is an update from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla:  

Late last week, I received a formal demand from the U.S. Attorney General directing Hoboken to rescind the immigrant protection policies established under my 2018 executive order, which designated Hoboken a Fair & Welcoming City. This order has stood as a firm declaration of our values: that in our city, no one should live in fear because of where they were born or who their parents are. 

As the son of immigrants who came to this country in search of opportunity, I feel this moment not just as your mayor, but as a father, a neighbor, and with the knowledge that we are a community and a nation built by immigrants. I know the fear this letter has sparked, and I want to reassure you clearly and unequivocally: Hoboken will not capitulate. We will not back down.

Our friends, neighbors, families, workers, and business owners of Hoboken deserve to feel safe in their own city. The protections we established are not arbitrary. They were carefully crafted in accordance with lawful Attorney General guidelines and reflect constitutional values. The Hoboken Police Department follows all NJ AG guidelines including the Immigration Trust Directive, just like every municipal police department in the State.

But what we’re witnessing now is not just a policy disagreement. It is part of a broader pattern of intimidation. The same federal government that is threatening Hoboken today has deployed the National Guard in Los Angeles and Washington DC and intervened in cities across the country. Let me be clear, we will not be bullied into abandoning our principles. If anything, this moment calls on us to fortify our protections, not weaken them and that is exactly what we are exploring now.  As I responded in no uncertain terms to the Attorney General today, explaining to her that our municipal employees and police officers are not ICE agents, and they will not be required to participate in unlawful raids and detentions without a federal judge's signed warrant. This is our legal and moral stance. 

Simultaneously, I understand that these are uncertain and frightening times, especially for our immigrant communities, regardless of whether or not you are documented. Please know that you are not alone. 

As I stated previously, the Office of Constituent Services is working closely with nonprofits and local agencies to connect residents with support. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Hoboken social workers at [email protected] or call 201-420-2000 Ext. 1314. 

We also want to ensure our residents have access to additional resources should ICE come to Hoboken, as they have been reportedly spotted in nearby communities. I encourage you to consult the following community and legal resources: 

• The ACLU offers a "Know Your Rights – Immigrant Rights" guide, tailored to various scenarios and customizable by state and language.   
• New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) is a network of community groups offering immigrant rights advocacy and free/low-cost legal clinics. It also offers know your rights training modules and preparedness seminars including, family emergency preparedness planning, know your rights in private and public spaces, how to ensure guardianship for those with children, as well as other tools and resources. 
• The New Jersey Office of New Americans (ONA) supports new Americans through outreach, education, and resources, including an asylum guide and free legal services for income-eligible residents facing ICE detention and deportation. Visit NewAmericans.nj.gov or call 732-572-9100 ext. 8782 for non-detained immigration matters or 1-888-894-0612 for detention-related inquiries. 
• Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (Hudson County Office) offers free legal help with naturalization, family petitions, DACA, and removal defense. They are located at 574 Summit Ave. in Jersey City and can be reached at (201) 792-6363. 
• Jersey City Division of Immigrant Affairs can provide multilingual help with immigration paperwork and referrals. No status is required. They are located at 394 Central Ave, Second Floor, in Jersey City. They can be reached at 551-256-2310. 
• North Hudson Community Action Corporation can assist with residency, naturalization, and visa applications among others as well as immigration status questions. They are located at 7007 Polk St. in Guttenberg.
• Legal Services of New Jersey provides statewide legal help for low-income New Jerseyans including immigrants for their civil legal problems, including DACA renewals and citizenship. It can be reached at (888) 576-5529. 
• NJ 2-1-1 Helpline is a 24/7 multilingual service for housing, healthcare, food, and legal referrals. Community members can also dial 2-1-1 or (877) 652-1148.
• IACO Immigration & American Citizenship Organization Inc. represents low-income people in their immigration proceedings. They are located at Center City Mall, 301 Main Street, Suite 401, Paterson, NJ and can be reached at [email protected].