A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced a bill that would provide financial incentives to police departments that assist federal authorities in catching and deporting unauthorized immigrants.
The proposed legislation, called the Immigration Enforcement Support Act (A5232), was introduced by Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, R-Ocean.
$7,000 Reward for Each Deportation
If passed, the bill would offer $7,000 for every unauthorized immigrant that local police departments help hand over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for successful deportation.
The funds would go toward reimbursing police departments for the costs involved in these operations.
Funding Allocation: Where Would the Money Go?
The money received from the program would cover expenses such as officer salaries, overtime, and other operational costs related to immigration enforcement.
Kanitra explained that police officers in New Jersey are willing to assist in deportations, but additional financial support is needed to make it feasible.
Where Would the Money Come From?
Kanitra argues that the program would pay for itself over time. He suggests reallocating funds currently used for programs that benefit unauthorized immigrants.
However, the exact financial details and feasibility of this approach remain uncertain.
Disputed Immigration Numbers
The number of unauthorized immigrants in New Jersey varies based on different reports.
A 2024 study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that 428,000 unauthorized immigrants live in the state, contributing around $1.3 billion in taxes annually.
On the other hand, a report released by Kanitra’s office in May claims the number is much higher, estimating 892,000 unauthorized immigrants in New Jersey.
The report also states that migrants cost the state at least $7.3 billion each year.
Potential Impact on State and Local Budgets
If local police departments assisted in deporting all 892,000 unauthorized immigrants mentioned in Kanitra’s report, the state would pay more than $6.2 billion to these departments.
While the bill aims to reduce costs related to illegal immigration, critics question whether it would truly save money or simply shift expenses elsewhere.
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Debate Over Sanctuary Policies
New Jersey has been considered a sanctuary state, with policies limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Kanitra’s bill directly challenges this approach by encouraging active participation in deportation efforts.
What Happens Next?
The bill is still in the early stages and must go through legislative review before any decision is made.
It is expected to face opposition from immigrant rights groups and lawmakers who support New Jersey’s current policies.
The debate over the bill will likely focus on financial implications, ethical concerns, and the overall impact on communities across the state.
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