Yesterday Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three bills regarding our protection here in the Garden State. One bill codifies the Immigrant Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from asking about immigration status when they receive calls . This will protect victims of domestic violence who are afraid to call the police because they may not have full legal status. This way abusers will be arrested and children made safe.
The law also prohibits the sharing of information from hospitals and state agencies with ICE. This means that your confidential information will not be shared. Well, we say, we are US citizens. Yes, but do you honestly want your private information shared with a government that could use it for any reason? This Act does not prohibit the use of federal subpoena power, which is always an option.
Another Act prohibits ICE from masking and requires ID. All of our local and state police have ID. Why shouldn’t persons claiming to be part of our Federal government be required to do the same?
Prayer for the Day
When the road seems endless, O God, accompany us,
And when the road is blocked, move us beyond the barriers;
When the road before us divides, may we hear your voice for the way,
And when we feel we beleaguered, may we find the help we need.
Be our source of strength for the journey of this Lenten season,
Guiding us so we are able to see the other side.
In the name of the One who shows us the way,
Even Chris Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the road or the accommodations.
Oliver Goldsmith, English writer (1729-1774)
The feeling is that God is on the journey, too.
St. Theresa of Avila, Spanish mystic (1515-1582)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways, acknowledge God and your paths will be straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.
Proverbs 3: 5-8