BLOOMFIELD—the Bloomfield township council is drafting a resolution to restrict immigration enforcement on municipal property. Councilwoman Tracy Toler-Phillips is collaborating with state Senator Britnee Timberlake and community groups on the "Safe Bloomfield" proposal.

The resolution would require judicial warrants for ICE access to municipal property and designate parks, clinics and municipal buildings as "sensitive locations." It would also prohibit township resources from supporting immigration enforcement.

"We are making it clear that our parks, clinics, and municipal buildings are 'Sensitive Locations' where all residents can access services without fear," Toler-Phillips said. She emphasized the resolution protects both documented and undocumented residents.

State Senator Timberlake said, "Every level of government must act to protect people from abuses of power."

Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell issued a statement February 2, after ICE activity was reported near the Hoboken-Jersey City border. "Bloomfield remains a Fair and Welcoming Community," Mundell said.

The municipal action follows Governor Mikie Sherrill's Executive Order 12 restricting ICE use of state property. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Sherrill over that order on February 24. 

Bloomfield is in Essex County, which has seen increased ICE activity in recent months. The resolution would be among the first municipal-level restrictions in North Jersey.

The resolution is expected to be introduced March 9.

Sources:

• Patch - Eric Kiefer (March 6, 2026)

• Bloomfield Township Website - Mayor Jenny Mundell statement (February 2, 2026)

• NJ.com - DOJ lawsuit coverage (February 24, 2026)