U.S. Senator Andy Kim delivering his remarks at the inauguration of Jersey City Mayor James Solomon | Screengrab YouTube
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D‑NJ) warned this week that stepped‑up immigration enforcement in New Jersey neighborhoods is creating fear, discouraging families from leaving their homes, and even preventing residents from seeking medical care. His comments came during a series of public events and town halls, during which constituents raised concerns about ICE activity near schools, clinics, and residential areas.
“People Are Scared to Leave Their Homes”
Kim said he has heard from families across the state who now avoid routine errands, school drop‑offs, and doctors’ appointments because of fear of immigration enforcement. “People in New Jersey are scared to leave their homes,” he said, adding that the fear is especially acute in mixed‑status households and immigrant communities.
He noted that the fear is not hypothetical — it is showing up in real‑world behavior. “We’re seeing people afraid to go to school, afraid to go to work, afraid to go to the doctor,” Kim said, emphasizing that such conditions undermine public safety rather than strengthen it.
“Such Intimidation Has No Place in Our Healthcare System”
Kim’s strongest comments came during a visit to Zufall Health in Bridgewater, where he met with frontline providers and families who rely on community clinics for essential care. “I believe a healthier New Jersey is a stronger New Jersey,” he said. “Supporting access to health care is a critical component of treating all of us, including the most vulnerable, with the dignity and decency we all deserve.”
Providers told Kim that some patients have skipped appointments out of fear of encountering law enforcement on the way to or from clinics. Kim said that “such intimidation has no place in our healthcare system,” stressing that public health collapses when people are too afraid to seek treatment.
What Triggered Kim’s Comments
Kim’s remarks were prompted by constituent reports during his town halls — including his 86th town hall in Brick — where residents described ICE vehicles parked near schools and community centers. He said these stories reflect a broader climate of fear fueled by federal policies that “abandon” vulnerable communities. “This will hurt everyone we are supposed to be helping,” Kim said in earlier Senate remarks about federal actions that threaten access to care.
He added that the combination of immigration enforcement and proposed federal cuts to Medicaid creates a “perfect storm” for families who already struggle to access healthcare. “With all the challenges we are dealing with right now, it’s painful to think through what will happen if this goes into effect,” he said.
Fil‑Am Angle: Filipino Families Feeling the Strain
New Jersey is home to one of the largest Filipino American communities on the East Coast, including many mixed‑status households and healthcare workers. Community advocates say Filipino seniors, caregivers, and nurses — many of whom work night shifts — are among those most affected by increased ICE visibility.
While no recent high‑profile ICE detentions of Filipinos in New Jersey have been reported, Filipino community groups say the fear is real. Many recall past enforcement sweeps that mistakenly targeted Asian immigrants, including naturalized citizens, due to database errors. Advocates warn that even the perception of risk is enough to keep families from seeking care or reporting abuse.
Kim: “This Is About Protecting Our Communities”
Kim said the issue transcends party lines. “This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans,” he told constituents. “This is about those who stand for the Constitution and those who don’t.”
He urged federal agencies to ensure that immigration enforcement does not interfere with healthcare access, school attendance, or community safety. “If we can’t stand up for our vulnerable communities — including our children — who are we willing to stand up for?” he said.
