Prieto Commends Chief Justice Rabner, Backs Request to Stop ICE Arrests at Courthouses Nationwide

          (TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Wednesday commended New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner for taking a stand against the harmful and counterproductive approach being employed at courthouses around the country by the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

          “I commend Chief Justice Rabner for speaking out on this emergent tactic in the interest of protecting our communities and fostering a safer environment for families.

“Studies have consistently shown that this type of hardline approach is counterproductive because it promotes fear and dissuades undocumented immigrants from coming forward to report crimes or to assist the criminal justice system. 

“Undocumented immigrants are routinely marginalized in many ways, but they should never have to feel unsafe merely for reporting or speaking out against crimes and injustices. Their cooperation is just as crucial as any other segment of the population in promoting a safer, more civil society.

“I appreciate the fact that the Chief Justice understands the harm and indignity this causes and I hope the federal government will heed his recommendation to add courts to the list of ‘sensitive locations’ that ICE recognizes,” said Prieto (D-Bergen/Hudson).