Bergen Officials' Bill Prohibiting Enforcement Of Immigration Ban Advances

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — Legislation sponsored by Bergen representatives to stop enforcement of President Donald Trump's immigration ban advanced through a state Assembly committee Monday.

The bill would prohibit the Port Authority from enforcing the ban that denies refugees and citizens of certain Muslim-majority countries entry into the United States. The agency operates and maintains the busiest airport system in the country, which includes Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia airports.

No Port Authority employee or police officer would be allowed to aid or provide resources, assistance or support to any federal employee or representative to enforce the order. The bill would also prohibit the use of Port Authority resources or facilities to enforce the order.

Assembly members Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Englewood) and Gordon M. Johnson (D-Teaneck) are co-sponsoring the legislation, along with two other assembly members.

Vainieri Huttle said the ban is founded on "falsehoods."

"Some of the world's most desperate people are fleeing their home countries to seek safety in the United States," said Vainieri Huttle. "New Jersey is fundamentally opposed to this ill-conceived measure, and we must take steps to prevent its enforcement."

Johnson said the ban implements "a worldview that is not only discriminatory but also unconstitutional."

The Senate passed a similar bill 22-13 last month. Bergen senators Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) and Robert M. Gordon (D-Fair Lawn) co-sponsored that legislation.

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Photo: Ted S. Warren/Associated Press