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A 322

"Immigration Enforcement Support Act"; authorizes law enforcement agency to detain and transfer to federal immigration authorities persons illegally in State; provides compensation to law enforcement agency for deportation.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 2 co-sponsors

NJ would pay local agencies $7,000 per deportation for those directly involved in detentions to aid federal immigration enforcement.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
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Bill Summary · A 322

Summary of New Jersey Bill A 322 (Session 222)

Title: Immigration Enforcement Support Act

Jurisdiction: New Jersey

Authoring body: New Jersey Legislature (Introduced Jan 13, 2026; Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee)

Co-sponsors: Greg McGuckin, Dawn Fantasia, Paul Kanitra

Status: Introduced; bill text available; action history shows referral to committee

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill authorizes state and local law enforcement agencies to detain individuals present in New Jersey who are determined to be in the United States illegally for the purpose of facilitating transfer to federal immigration authorities.
  • It introduces a financial incentive framework for state and local law enforcement to participate in or support immigration enforcement, including a fixed per-deportation compensation and rules for allocation when multiple agencies are involved.
  • The overarching aim is to bolster cooperation with federal immigration enforcement by creating a state-funded compensation mechanism for agencies involved in deportations.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Detention Authority (Section 3)

    • State law enforcement agencies may detain a person determined to be present in the state in violation of federal immigration laws to facilitate transfer to federal immigration authorities.
    • Detention is permitted regardless of the offense’s nature, degree, or severity charged against the person.
    • This provision clarifies that federal immigration status alone can trigger detention for transfer purposes.

  • Compensation for Deportations (Section 4)

    • For every person determined to be in the state illegally who is successfully deported, any state law enforcement agency directly involved in the deportation process is eligible to receive a $7,000 compensation payment from the State.
    • If more than one agency is directly involved, compensation is allocated proportionately based on each agency’s level of involvement, as determined by the Attorney General per rules/regulations established under Section 5.
    • A law enforcement agency is considered “directly involved” if it detained a person to facilitate transfer to federal immigration authorities.

  • Implementation and Administration (Section 5)

    • The Attorney General shall establish rules and regulations for determining eligibility and for awarding compensation to participating agencies.
    • Annual funding from the State general fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety will be appropriated as necessary to fund payments under Section 4.

  • Effective Date (Section 6)

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

  • Definitions (Section 2)

    • “Federal immigration authorities” includes any U.S. agency, department, or entity responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws.
    • “State law enforcement agency” means a state or local law enforcement agency.

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State and local law enforcement agencies involved in policing and detaining individuals in the state.
  • Individuals detained for immigration status, who may be transferred to federal authorities.
  • The Department of Law and Public Safety (through the Office of the Attorney General) would administer the compensation program and establish eligibility rules.
  • The State budget would fund annual appropriations to compensate participating agencies.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • Administrative Process: The Attorney General must establish eligibility criteria and compensation rules; agencies would apply/participate under these rules.
  • Funding: Annual General Fund appropriations required to cover compensation payments; exact amounts to be determined based on deportation activity.

Potential Implications and Considerations

  • The bill creates a financial incentive structure that ties deportations to state funding, potentially increasing local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
  • The policy raises questions about civil liberties and the balance between state authority and federal immigration priorities.
  • Implementation will depend on the AG’s regulations, including how “level of involvement” is measured and how disputes about eligibility are resolved.
  • Fiscal considerations will hinge on deportation rates and annual funding allocations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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