Council Member Sarah Rashid

To the women who inspire, lead, and care—thank you for making the world brighter and better.

on March 10 2026 Councilwoman Sarah Rashid and I will put forth a resolution in support of reforms of DHS and ICE. Democrats across our town, county, state and nation must stand for public safety and quality of life for all. We look forward to the support of our fellow council members. These agencies need to undergo meaningful reforms and be accountable and transparent. Our message is clear and we appreciate the recent sentiments of Middlesex County and Governor Mikie Sherrill.

DRAFT::Resolution Supporting Reform of DHS and ICE
WHEREAS, In January 2026, two United States citizens, including ICU nurse Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good, were killed during Federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, These deaths have raised serious concerns about the use of force by Federal immigration agents and the adequacy of existing oversight, standards and accountability within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its enforcement components, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and
WHEREAS, Federal law enforcement agencies exercise extraordinary authority, including the power to detain individuals and use lethal force, and such authority must be accompanied by clear rules, transparency and accountability to the public; and
WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States possesses the constitutional power of the purse and routinely conditions Federal appropriations to ensure compliance with law, public safety and civil rights protections; and
WHEREAS, Providing additional Federal appropriations to DHS and ICE without meaningful reforms risks further erosion of public trust, escalation of violence and violations of constitutional rights; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey has a long history of defending civil liberties, due process and the rule of law, values that require accountability whenever government power is exercised, particularly through armed enforcement actions; and
WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States does not permit unchecked Federal authority but instead establishes a constitutional republic in which power is limited, rights are protected and states are not administrative subdivisions of the Federal Government; and
WHEREAS, Meaningful reforms should include enforceable use of-force standards, independent review of serious incidents involving Federal agents, visible identification requirements during enforcement actions, timely public release of body-camera footage following deaths or serious injuries, strengthened civil rights oversight within DHS and full cooperation with State and local authorities when serious incidents occur, including shootings;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Council urges the Congress of the United States to condition any additional appropriations for the United States Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement on meaningful accountability, transparency and civil rights reforms; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Council urges the Congress of the United States to ensure that Federal immigration enforcement agencies operate under clear standards that protect public safety, respect constitutional rights and provide real accountability when those standards are violated; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution affirms support for lawful public safety functions while insisting that accountability and constitutional compliance precede any additional Federal funding for the United States Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to New Jersey State Senator Bob Smith, New Jersey Assemblymen Joe Danielsen and Kevin Egan, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherill, Congressman Frank Pallone and each member of the United States Congress representing New Jersey.
DRAFT

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Ramadan Mubarak 🌙

Mayor Brian C. Wahler and Township councilmembers wish Ramadan Mubarak to all whom will be observing.

Reflecting on last night’s testimonies regarding the hotel/motel ordinance, I want to thank everyone who shared their concerns and expertise with the council.

I support licensing hotels and motels and holding businesses and individuals accountable for irresponsible or criminal behavior. However, I voted no on the ordinance on February 10 because of serious concerns raised by ACLU policy counsel and almost a dozen advocacy groups that certain provisions could unintentionally harm the very vulnerable communities the ordinance seeks to protect.

The safety of our community is my highest priority. No one should ever feel unsafe in their workplace or residence. At the same time, we can address local challenges without placing vulnerable communities at greater risk.

Good policy requires listening to all stakeholders and taking expert concerns seriously. By moving forward with the vote last night, we missed an opportunity to strengthen this ordinance by incorporating the recommendations raised by legal and advocacy experts. We could have done better.

I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow council members to craft balanced, effective policies that promote safety while protecting the rights and dignity of all members of our community

It was a delight to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast hosted by the Piscataway Civil Rights Advisory Commission. As we honor Dr. King’s life, let us continue to reflect on his enduring commitment to civil rights.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Today marks one year since I began serving on the Township Council. It’s been an honor to represent our community, listen to your concerns, and work on your behalf. Thank you for the trust and support.