HOWELL – While New Jersey is considered a ‘sanctuary state’ to the federal government, some towns, including Howell Township, have elected to oppose such policies.
When a state is considered a ‘sanctuary state,’ generally, it means that it has policies in place that limit or oppose certain policies developed by federal immigration officials.
Although ‘sanctuary state’ is not an official term, New Jersey is largely considered to be one because of the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive issued by the state’s attorney general at the time. This directive said that when an immigrant reports a crime, police are not allowed to ask about their immigration status. The rationale, according to the attorney general, was that violent crimes and fraud were not getting reported because victims were afraid of being deported. The directive goes so far as to say that New Jersey is not a ‘sanctuary’ for those who commit crimes other than illegal immigration.
According to a resolution written by Howell Township, these policies “prohibit local police departments from communicating and coordinating with federal agencies on certain arrests to fully enforce all laws, including federal laws.”
In a recent council meeting, this resolution was discussed and passed unanimously by all Howell Council members. The resolution (Resolution 25-81) opposes New Jersey’s ‘sanctuary state’ policies, making Howell Township not a ‘sanctuary city.’
Prior to the voting of any resolution passing, Howell Council meetings provide time to hear from the public in 5 minute increments discussing any topic of their choosing, including potentially established resolutions. At the Feb. 4 meeting, some residents came forward to share their thoughts on Resolution 25-81.
The first to speak on the issue was resident Lawrence White, whose opinion was in support of making Howell a ‘sanctuary city.’
“May I remind the council that being in this country illegally is a civil, not a criminal offense. All undocumented immigrants have the right to be heard in immigration court,” he said. “No one in this room wants convicted criminals running around in our communities. If an undocumented immigrant commits a felony, they should be prosecuted, convicted, do their time, and then immediately be deported. This fear of prosecution and deportation makes immigration communities low crime communities (because they don’t report crimes).”
Along with these comments regarding crime rates and offenses, White mentioned economic changes that could be put in effect with the passing of his resolution.
Joseph DiBella, former mayor of Howell from 2005 to 2008, was in attendance of the meeting and spoke on the issue himself as a Howell resident.
“I encourage and implore you to pass R-25-81,” he said to the council. “The issue of immigration is a complex one, and there are lots of sides to the story. It is emotional and it is heartbreaking, but regrettably, for the last four years, our country allowed an unthinkable assault on our borders.”
“I find it to be unacceptable that our state at a state level is looking the other way. I appreciate you having the strength and the courage of your convictions to stand behind this resolution and let the people of Howell know that you’re concerned for their safety and for their well being. I appreciate the fact that you are letting our residents know we’re not above the law, we’re going to support law enforcement, we’re going to do what’s right,” he said.
Prior to their voting, the council was given the opportunity to respond to the public comments on their personal behalf. White, who made the first comment regarding the resolution, did not stay in attendance to be personally addressed. The council continued with their comments regardless.
“I’m very proud of our resolution that we are going to pass tonight because we want to give our law enforcement every tool to do what’s right and follow the law of the land,” said Councilwoman Susan Fischer. “We are directly affected by illegal immigration in Howell, I think everybody knows that.”
Another member of council, Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell, has served on Howell Council for many terms, including a previous term where a resolution of similar stature was presented. In her statement, she reflected on the decision she made at that time.
“I have voted on this before, and my mind has not changed. If you look at the cities that did follow [sanctuary city policies] several years ago, they are begging to get out. People can come into this country the correct way,” she said. “I find it so strange that people in this country are appalled that you can’t just go back and forth. I personally will still be supporting that we are not a sanctuary city, we certainly have more than enough to put our tax dollars to here to take care of our citizens.”
Other council members, like Councilman Ian Nadel and Deputy Mayor Fred Gasior, reflected on their personal working careers when making this decision. Nadel previously worked as a police lieutenant in New York City and Nadel worked in New Jersey State police.
“[Sanctuary cities] were meant to protect good and hard working people, but now it’s protecting hardened criminals who want to commit violence against our own citizens of this country,” Nadel said.
As for John Leggio, the currency serving Mayor of Howell, he recollected personal experiences to explain his support behind his vote.
“I am a son of immigrant parents. My father waited 10 years to get sworn in and become a citizen back in the 70s, doing everything the way you’re supposed to. This past administration has allowed the influx and assault on our country and is absolutely disgusting,” he said. “Don’t let anyone lie to you, ICE isn’t here [in Howell]. But if you’re a criminal, I don’t care where you’re from, you should be arrested and dealt with. If you’re an illegal criminal, you should be put on a plane and sent back to your home. I am in support of this ordinance 100%.”
When it came time for the voting, each resolution presented at the meeting was unanimously passed, including Resolution 25-81.
The resolution reads:
“THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Howell in the County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, that it hereby opposes New Jersey’s ‘sanctuary state’ policies and urges the Governor and the New Jersey Legislature to re-evaluate their positions on this issue in an effort to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents and taxpayers of the State of New Jersey and the Township of Howell.”
The resolution has been deemed effective immediately.
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