New Jersey Democrats Send Coarse but Clear Message to ICE With New Bill

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by Tracey Tully

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

New Jersey Democrats have introduced a bold new bill aimed at challenging federal immigration enforcement, reflecting the state’s reputation for direct action. The legislation, dubbed the “F.U.C.K.I.D.E.A.” act (Fight Unlawful Conduct and Keep Individuals and Communities Empowered), allows New Jersey residents to sue federal immigration officials for unconstitutional actions. Spearheaded by Assembly members Katie Brennan and Ravi Bhalla, the bill targets ICE’s practices, emphasizing accountability for alleged legal violations. Alongside this measure, Democrats have proposed other immigrant protections, including banning law enforcement from wearing masks while enforcing immigration laws and imposing a 50% tax on private migrant detention centers. These moves signal a broader push to limit ICE’s authority within the state. Additionally, there are calls to divest from technology companies that provide tools for tracking immigrants. The bill’s introduction highlights New Jersey’s proactive stance in addressing移民 rights amid increasing federal enforcement actions. By expanding residents’ legal avenues to challenge ICE, Democrats aim to create a more robust framework for accountability and protection. This legislation underscores the growing role of states in shaping immigration policy and their willingness to confront federal agencies over issues of civil rights and community empowerment.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026