New Jersey Taxpayer Funded Advocacy Groups Under Fire: Accused of Helping Undocumented Migrants Evade ICE, Deportation

Newark, NJ — A New Jersey-based advocacy group is under renewed scrutiny after promoting guidance that helps immigrants understand their legal rights during federal enforcement actions, as tensions rise over immigration policy and a new federal lawsuit targeting the state. Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) shared materials this week advising residents what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrive at their homes or workplaces. The guidance, widely circulated in English and Spanish, outlines constitutional protections such as the right to remain silent and the need for a judicial warrant before entry. The messaging followed a reported ICE operation in Newark and comes as the U.S. Department of Justice escalates legal action against New Jersey over policies benefiting undocumented residents. While opponents of the group are claiming MRNJ is interfering with the legal immigration and deportation proceess, the group asserts that it is only advising undocumented individuals of their rights, not interfering with legal immigration enforcement. “Know your rights” guidance fuels debate MRNJ’s outreach reflects a broader effort by advocacy and legal organizations nationwide to educate immigrants about their rights during encounters with law enforcement. In a public statement, the group criticized federal immigration enforcement, describing ICE