Bloomfield Town Council Greenlights ICE Resolution: Some Boo, Others Wish It Went Further

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield Town Council has passed a resolution that clarifies when municipal resources can – and can’t – be used to assist federal immigration agencies such as ICE.

Earlier this week, the town council voted 5-1 with one abstention to approve a resolution that attempts to regulate ICE’s ability to make arrests in Bloomfield. It took effect immediately. View the full text here.

Several council members said the legislation is a win for Bloomfield – although one said it doesn’t go far enough (see below).

Other residents criticized the move on social media, saying that they welcome the presence of federal immigration officers.

“Let ICE do their job and we all will feel safe – I know I will,” one person commented.

According to a statement from the township, the resolution clarifies how municipally owned buildings, equipment and personnel can be used when outside law enforcement agencies request access related to civil immigration enforcement. It also affirms that municipal property must be used for its intended public purposes, and establishes procedures for access to non-public areas of township facilities.

Here are some things that the resolution spells out:

• ARREST WARRANTS REQURIED – “Under the measure, township property may not be used as a staging location, processing site, or operational base for civil immigration enforcement activities unless there is a valid judicial warrant or court order where required by law, or authorization from the township business administrator in consultation with the township attorney. The resolution also requires outside law enforcement officers seeking access to non-public municipal areas to present official identification, and establishes procedures for documenting such requests.”
• STAFF AND TOWN PROPERTY – “The resolution further clarifies that township personnel, equipment, databases or other municipal resources may not be used to voluntarily assist with civil immigration enforcement activities unless required by federal or state law.”
• SHARING INFO WITH RESIDENTS – “The resolution also directs the township to continue maintaining and updating informational resources to help residents access municipal services and understand their rights, including multilingual materials available through the township website.”

Township officials said the policy aligns with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive.

“Bloomfield has always been strengthened by the diversity of the people who call our community home,” Mayor Jenny Mundell said.

“The resolution provides clear guidance on the use of township property and resources while ensuring we continue to uphold constitutional rights and follow the law,” she added.

First Ward Councilwoman Rosalee Gonzalez said the resolution helps provide clarity for municipal staff, while reinforcing Bloomfield’s commitment to serving all residents.

“This resolution helps make sure our municipal staff are focused on serving residents every day,” Gonzalez said. “It ensures that our municipal buildings and resources are used to support the community – and that residents can access services without fear.”

“Local government works best when residents trust that they can come forward for help, report concerns, and participate in community life without fear,” Third Ward Councilwoman Sarah Cruz agreed.

“By clarifying how municipal facilities and resources can be used, we are reinforcing the principle that Bloomfield’s priority is serving the people who live here,” Cruz said.

At-Large Councilwoman Monica Charris Tabares also supported the new legislation.

“This resolution complements the work the township has already been doing to provide clear resources – including multilingual ‘Know Your Rights’ information – so that families understand their rights and know where to turn for help,” the councilwoman said.

• Related: Feds Put Bloomfield On 'Sanctuary City' List, Demand Compliance
  

TWO RESOLUTIONS

The resolution passed on March 9 wasn’t the only ICE-related proposal on the table.

Prior to the meeting, At-Large Councilwoman Tracy Toler-Phillips pitched a different measure – dubbed “Safe Bloomfield” – which she says would have gone even further. View the full resolution here.

Developed in partnership with New Jersey Sen. Britnee Timberlake and local community activists including the Bloomfield Immigrant Justice Network, the resolution is built on search and seizure protections spelled out in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, in addition to the anti-commandeering doctrine in the Tenth Amendment.

Some of the proposals included requiring federal agents to present a warrant to access non-public municipal areas, prohibiting the use of township facilities as staging areas for ICE operations, banning town employees from requesting immigration status unless legally required, and designating several locations as “safe havens” for accessing municipal services.

• Related: Resolution Could Limit ICE Powers In Bloomfield (Here's What It Would Do)

Toler Phillips – who voted against the council’s other resolution – called it a “watered-down version of what the community deserves.” She alleged that the goal of the passed resolution is “municipal risk management,” not protecting local residents. Read her full statement here.

“I believe this was a missed opportunity for Bloomfield to model other municipalities across the state,” Toler Phillips told Patch.

Speaking at Monday’s council meeting, Mundell said the approved resolution incorporates the “heart” of Toler Phillips’ legislation, in addition to feedback from the public.

The mayor said the approved resolution was reviewed by the township attorney, who made some “very strong recommendations” to council members.

Watch meeting footage here, or view it below (video is cued to the discussion on the ICE resolutions):

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