Since January, the bullies in our nation’s capital have been terrorizing immigrant families across the country, unlawfully commandeering local resources for federal immigration enforcement, and eroding due process protections. These actions are a direct attack on our community and our core values, as a city of immigrants–where more than 40% of residents were born abroad.
But Jersey City will never roll over for tyrants. As Mayor, James will fight back and ferociously protect the immigrants who call Jersey City home and make it vibrant. That includes by defending our sanctuary law, and making sure that every single city employee and contractor is trained to refuse cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities. It also includes significantly investing in services for immigrants and expanding existing ones, and educating every Jersey City resident about the rights of all immigrants and their neighbors. When elected, James will:
Defend our sanctuary city law and use every tool to protect it. In 2017, Jersey City became one of the first cities in the county to declare itself a sanctuary city for immigrants, by passing a law stating that city employees and resources will not be used to assist federal immigration enforcement. In a brazenly cruel and legally baseless move, in May 2025, President Trump sued Jersey City and four other New Jersey sanctuary cities, in an attempt to invalidate our sanctuary city laws. As Mayor, James will ferociously defend the sanctuary city law from any legal challenges using every tool at his disposal, and he will fight back against unlawful federal encroachment on our city. James will also collaborate with and support other cities facing similar, ridiculous legal action.
Train city employees and contractors on our sanctuary city law, including non-cooperation with federal immigration officials. All frontline city staff and contractors–including police and other first responders, teachers, service providers, librarians, and more–should receive comprehensive training on the sanctuary city law, so they are prepared to fully follow the law, including by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This training will be developed in coordination with immigration advocates to incorporate community experiences and priorities, and will include real-world scenarios. This training will also ensure that frontline city staff and contractors are prepared to direct affected individuals to appropriate resources and services.
Educate all Jersey City residents, students, and businesses about their rights and the limits of federal immigration authority. It is critical that every person in Jersey City understands and is prepared to protect their rights and those of their neighbors. As Mayor, James will implement know-your-rights materials and education across the city. This will include multi-lingual know-your-rights posters in public facilities like schools, libraries, and hospitals, that will explain core individual rights and liberties in both public and private places, as well as the limits of federal immigration authority. And James will build partnerships with organizations that can provide free in-person and virtual know-your-rights training, both for individuals and members of the business community who may face attempts by federal immigration authorities to enter their workplace.
Increase the city’s investment in immigration services, including legal services. Through the Division of Immigrant Affairs, Jersey City provides a number of services for immigrants, regardless of immigration status, including English classes, help navigating legal and social services, and help with filling out forms. But the City must dramatically expand these offerings–immediately. By building partnerships with trusted state agencies, community organizations, and faith-based organizations, the city can increase its ability to connect immigrants directly with organizations that provide key services, including free and confidential immigration legal services.
Strengthen our sanctuary city law by requiring, as a condition of any license or permit, that every business denies federal immigration authorities voluntary access to their workplaces. Jersey City must ensure that immigrant workers feel safe in their workplaces. As Mayor, James will work to amend the sanctuary city law to condition any city business licenses on compliance with strong worker-protection standards, including that employers do not open their doors to federal immigration agents without a warrant or subpoena. This proposal does not interfere with federal law—it simply ensures that businesses follow due process, respect worker rights, and do not voluntarily exceed what the law requires in ways that place immigrant families at risk.
Protect and support our immigrant children. Children in Jersey City deserve to grow up safe, healthy, and free from fear–regardless of immigration status. As Mayor, James will take concrete steps to protect young residents. He will ensure that all schools and libraries remain safe zones where children can learn without any threat of immigration enforcement, including by ensuring that every school and library employee is trained on the city’s sanctuary city law and non-cooperation policy. James and his Deputy Mayor for Education will also work closely with the Board of Education to expand bilingual education, translation services, and tutoring for non-native speakers, to help immigrant children succeed academically. And James will specifically expand programs that provide legal assistance to children, and their families, facing immigration challenges.
