The Morris County Human Relations Commission, a coalition of community leaders and representatives from service and advocacy organizations, was established to promote diversity, dialogue, communication, and appreciation for the many ethnic and cultural communities within Morris County. Embracing and understanding this rich tapestry of cultures strengthens and enhances the lives of our citizens and makes us a more resilient country.
Recently, many members of our immigrant communities, particularly Spanish-speaking residents, are experiencing significant anxiety and uncertainty due to the detention of residents by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during raid operations, including those taking place in schools, businesses, pharmacies, bus stops and other locales. This disruptive and dangerous practice contradicts the essence of our nation as a free society.
While we strongly support law enforcement and the legitimate pursuit of justice and crime prevention, we cannot allow our community to become a place of fear and dread. Such an atmosphere undermines trust in law enforcement and discourages residents from seeking service and assistance from emergency services, police, healthcare providers, schools, libraries, and houses of worship, for fear of detention and deportation.
The Human Relations Commission stands in solidarity with Morris County residents – our friends, neighbors, fellow parents, colleagues and congregants who simply wish to feel safe and to participate actively in our community as productive, law-abiding citizens. If there are legal issues to be addressed, they should be resolved in a legal and humane manner that abides by the United States Constitution and upholds the dignity of our residents while ensuring the overall safety and security of our community and the right of people to conduct their business freely.
We strongly call upon citizens to support and our legislators to pass the Immigrant Trust Act, which provides critical privacy protections that allow New Jerseyans to seek public services, stand up for their rights, and participate fully in their communities without fear of deportation. Furthermore, we call upon our leaders and fellow residents to ensure that Morris County continues to be the welcoming, inclusive community, one that allows every individual and group to thrive and contribute to the prosperity, harmony and cooperation that define our proud American heritage and society.