ACLU-NJ Statement on Newark Police Involvement with New York PD Spying on NJ Muslims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

Statement of Deborah Jacobs, ACLU of New Jersey Executive Director:

The ACLU-NJ is deeply concerned by reports that the Newark Police Department worked with a police department from outside New Jersey to secretly investigate and conduct surveillance on Newark citizens, businesses, and places of worship against which there have been no allegations of unlawful activities.

These actions represent a violation of the public trust and raise red flags about religious discrimination and targeting by law enforcement. The ACLU will join with citizens and organizations across the state who object to this rights violation to discover its reach, hold those responsible accountable and ensure an end to such programs.

The ACLU-NJ will call upon the Office of Attorney General to set clear guidelines that restrict New Jersey law enforcement agencies from cooperating with state and local police agencies outside of New Jersey in conducting surveillance on our residents without a clear basis for investigation.