Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) announced that she will introduce legislation aimed at prohibiting the use of publicly owned or controlled property in New Jersey as staging grounds for federal civil immigration enforcement operations.

Under the proposed bill, parking lots, vacant lots, and garages owned or controlled by municipalities, counties, or the State would be barred from being used as staging areas, processing locations, or operational bases for federal immigration enforcement.

“Public property exists to serve our communities — not to be used in ways that spread fear,” Quijano said. She argued that when immigration enforcement operations are staged from local government property, it can erode trust between residents and public institutions, discouraging families from accessing schools, hospitals, and other essential services.

The legislation would direct the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to identify properties affected by the law and issue guidance, including standardized signage indicating that the property may not be used for immigration enforcement staging. Certain private property owners — including businesses, faith-based institutions, medical providers, and nonprofit organizations — would also be permitted to request similar signage.

According to Quijano, the bill would not interfere with the execution of judicial warrants in criminal matters or with other lawful activities permitted under state or federal law.

“This is about protecting community trust, maintaining local control, and ensuring our public spaces remain safe and accessible to all,” Quijano said.

The Assemblywoman plans to formally introduce the legislation tomorrow.