Senator Joe Pennacchio released a statement on Mar. 26 regarding reports that a man accused of fatally striking a pedestrian with his truck in New Jersey is in the United States illegally.
Pennacchio said the incident highlights problems related to immigration law enforcement and agency communication. He said, “This latest tragedy is a stark reminder that when immigration laws are ignored and communication between agencies breaks down, innocent people pay the price.”
He continued, “The fact that this individual had already been deported and then reentered our country illegally underscores a systemic failure that cannot be brushed aside.” Pennacchio criticized current policies, saying, “While Democrats continue to handcuff and demonize law enforcement, not a word is directed at the illegal criminals who never should have been in this country in the first place. Cases like this demonstrate the real-world consequences of those policies. This is exactly why I’ve been pushing for greater transparency and accountability. New Jersey families deserve to know that every level of government is working together to prevent these avoidable tragedies, not putting up barriers that allow them to happen again.”
According to Pennacchio’s office, he has introduced legislation aimed at improving coordination between state and federal law enforcement by creating a secure information portal with public-facing features for transparency.
In related legislative activity within New Jersey’s Senate Republican leadership, Senator Anthony M. Bucco provides constituent services through his district office and email for legislative inquiries according to the official website. Bucco also serves as Senate Republican Leader for District 25; he chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee while serving on both Judiciary as well as Budget and Appropriations Committees according to the official website. The same source notes Bucco engages in sponsoring bills and contributing to committee discussions on key state issues.