Assemblywoman to Introduce Bill Banning Use of Public Property for ICE Operations

Proposed legislation would prohibit use of municipal, county, and state-owned spaces for federal immigration enforcement staging and processing.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) announced plans to introduce a bill that would prohibit the use of publicly owned or controlled property in New Jersey as staging grounds for federal immigration enforcement operations. The legislation would direct state officials to identify affected properties and issue guidance, including standardized signage, to prevent such use of public spaces.

Why it matters

The proposed bill aims to protect community trust and maintain local control over public spaces, ensuring they remain safe and accessible to all residents regardless of immigration status. It comes amid ongoing concerns over the impact of federal immigration enforcement actions on immigrant communities' willingness to access essential services.

The details

Under the proposed legislation, parking lots, vacant lots, and garages owned or controlled by a municipality, county, or the State would not be allowed to be used as staging areas, processing locations, or operational bases for federal civil immigration enforcement. The bill would also allow certain private property owners, such as businesses, faith institutions, medical providers, and nonprofits, to request similar signage prohibiting the use of their property for immigration enforcement purposes.

  • Assemblywoman Quijano plans to introduce the legislation tomorrow, February 12, 2026.

The players

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano

A Democratic state legislator representing New Jersey's 20th district, who announced plans to introduce a bill prohibiting the use of public property for federal immigration enforcement operations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Public property exists to serve our communities — not to be used in ways that spread fear. When immigration enforcement stages from local government spaces, it undermines trust and discourages families from accessing schools, hospitals, and essential services. This bill makes clear that New Jersey's public lands are not tools for federal civil immigration operations.”

— Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (Insider NJ)

What’s next

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the New Jersey State Assembly tomorrow, February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

This bill represents an effort by state lawmakers to protect immigrant communities and maintain the integrity of public spaces, ensuring they remain accessible to all residents regardless of immigration status. If passed, it could serve as a model for other states seeking to limit the use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement actions.