Op-Ed: Jersey City Must Stand Firm Against ICE Enforcement, Mayoral Hopeful Says
Originally Published — https://hudsoncountyview.com/op-ed-jersey-city-must-stand-firm-against-ice-enforcement-mayoral-hopeful-says/
In an editorial, Jersey City mayoral candidate Mussab Ali gives his take on why the city must stand stand firm against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Recent reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in Newark, West New York, and possibly even Jersey City have sent waves of fear through our community.
While city officials have stated that no confirmed raids have occurred within our borders, the mere possibility is enough to disrupt lives and erode trust. Now, more than ever, we must stand together in defense of our immigrant neighbors, friends, and family members.
As an immigrant myself—and the only immigrant candidate for mayor—I understand firsthand the anxiety that ICE activity provokes.
I have long opposed harmful immigration enforcement policies that threaten to tear families apart and undermine the values that define Jersey City.
In 2020, as a member of the Jersey City Board of Education, I was one of the few elected officials to oppose the renewal of Hudson County’s ICE contract.
I took that stand because I knew our schools must be sanctuaries for all children, not places where students live in fear that their parents could be taken away. That belief has not changed.
Jersey City has long been a refuge for immigrants, a tradition that must not waver.
In 2017, Mayor Steven Fulop’s Sanctuary City Executive Order reaffirmed that commitment by directing municipal employees to protect all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Our city remains the only one in New Jersey accredited by the Department of Justice to provide legal pathways to citizenship, a program that has already served over 1,000 residents.
Just recently, Jersey City was named a grantee of the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Office of New Americans (ONA), a partnership that strengthens our ability to support immigrants and refugees.
Yet, an executive order alone is not enough. We need proactive leadership that will push back against ICE’s presence, strengthen protections for immigrants, and ensure that Jersey City continues to be a place of opportunity—not intimidation.
Unfortunately, political opportunists are quick to exploit ICE activity, using fear to divide our community for personal gain.
Instead of stoking panic, we must focus on facts. Misinformation only increases anxiety, discourages undocumented residents from seeking essential services, and worsens mental health challenges.
Leadership means providing clarity and solutions—not using fear as a political weapon.
Rather than allowing ICE to dictate the narrative, we must empower our community through education and action. Residents should be aware of their rights and seek support from trusted organizations, such as:
Make the Road New Jersey – Providing legal aid and community support for immigrant families.
American Friends Service Committee – Advocating for the rights of undocumented individuals.
The Waterfront Project – Offering free legal services to those facing housing and immigration challenges.
Jersey City is not just a sanctuary city—it is the gateway to the American Dream. Every day, we provide water and electricity to the Statue of Liberty, a global symbol of freedom and refuge.
Our city’s commitment to welcoming immigrants is woven into the very fabric of our identity. It is unthinkable that a place that powers Lady Liberty herself would allow ICE to undermine that legacy.
As mayor, I will champion policies that protect and uplift our immigrant communities. I will advocate for the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987), which strengthens trust between immigrants and government agencies by preventing local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE.
I will fight for S779/A577, which expands health care coverage to undocumented immigrants and their children, and support A5096, which broadens protections under the Law Against Discrimination for immigrants and non-U.S. citizens.
At the same time, I will strongly oppose harmful legislation like S2965/A224, which seeks to block state funding for legal assistance to immigrants facing detention or deportation. These measures go against the values of fairness and inclusion that define Jersey City.
Jersey City thrives because of its diversity. Immigrants are an essential part of our community—they contribute to our economy, enrich our culture, and help shape our city’s future.
We must reject any attempt to use ICE enforcement as a tool of intimidation or political manipulation. Instead, we must stand together to defend our city’s most vulnerable residents.
I urge all Jersey City residents to take action. Stay informed, support local immigrant advocacy organizations, and demand that our leaders uphold policies that protect rather than punish.
Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we will ensure that Jersey City remains a beacon of safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.
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Mussab Ali is the former JC BOE President, education non-profit founder, and cancer survivor. The son of immigrants, Mussab was raised and educated in Jersey City. A graduate of McNair, Rutgers, Tsinghua, and Harvard Law, Mussab founded the Ali Leadership Institute to equip activists, organizers, and community leaders with the necessary skills for effective civic participation at the local level.
