As New Jersey celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed S3818 into law on September 23, 2026, authorizing a New Jersey specialty license plate honoring the Borinqueneers, the famed 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army made up predominantly of soldiers from Puerto Rico.
"During Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to celebrate the generations of Hispanic Americans who have strengthened our state and nation," said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "The Borinqueneers answered our country's call to serve even while facing discrimination at home--a sacrifice that speaks to their extraordinary courage and love of country. This license plate will help carry their legacy forward while supporting programs that serve our Army veterans who follow in their footsteps."
The law, sponsored by Senators M. Teresa Ruiz and Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez and Assemblywomen Yvonne Lopez, Carmen Theresa Morales, and Annette Quijano, directs the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to develop a plate bearing the words "The Borinqueneers" and an image or other designation representing the 65th Infantry Regiment.
"The 65th Infantry Regiment was a unit of brave Puerto Rican soldiers who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War," said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). "Despite their critical sacrifices, the accomplishments of the Borinqueneers are often absent from history textbooks and classrooms."
"Puerto Rican history is part of American history, and one of the finest examples of that is the courageous actions of the Borinqueneers," said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester).
The regiment traces its history to 1899, when it began as the Puerto Rico Regiment of Volunteer Infantry. It entered the Regular Army in 1908 and was redesignated the 65th Infantry in 1920. Its name derives from Borinquen, the Indigenous Taino name for Puerto Rico. The unit served in World War II campaigns in Europe and in the Korean War, earning two Presidential Unit Citations, two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, and Greece's Gold Medal for Bravery. In 2014, Congress awarded the regiment the Congressional Gold Medal, formally presented in 2016.
Under the law, motorists will pay a $50 application fee and an additional $10 annual renewal fee. Proceeds will be deposited into the Borinqueneers License Plate Fund to support programs benefiting United States Army veterans.