Immigrant Trust Act stalls as senators say AG advised against it

"His position is that he has a directive that's stood up to judicial scrutiny," Scutari said.
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Nick Scutari speaks during a news conference.

Senate President Nick Scutari said he doesn't expect to advance high-profile immigration legislation. Matt Rourke/AP

TRENTON, New Jersey — Senate President Nick Scutari does not plan to advance high-profile immigration legislation, citing concerns that doing so could undermine the state's existing pro-immigrant protections.

Scutari said his concerns stem from a similar sentiment from state Attorney General Matt Platkin. Another state senator confirmed to POLITICO that Platkin has expressed concerns that passing the Immigrant Trust Act, NJ S3672 (24R)/A4987 (24R), could open the state to litigation that could undermine New Jersey's existing practice that limits state and local cops from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

New Jersey is currently operating under the Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits when state and local cops can work with federal immigration authorities with exceptions for immigrants charged or convicted of “violent or serious” crimes. The Immigrant Trust Act would codify the directive and get rid of the exceptions for immigrants caught up in the criminal justice system, along with other provisions.

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