How Trump Administration Is Holding New Jersey Accountable for Blocking Immigration Enforcement

The Trump administration is suing the state of New Jersey for obstructing immigration enforcement. 

Earlier this month, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed New Jersey’s new Executive Order No. 12 to block the federal government’s enforcement of its immigration laws, primarily by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. 

The governor’s order prevents ICE and other federal immigration officials from accessing or using nonpublic areas of state property for their operations unless authorized by a judicial warrant. The prohibited areas include residential medical facilities, child care centers, and government offices. 

“Federal agents are risking their lives to keep New Jersey citizens safe, and yet New Jersey’s leaders are enacting policies designed to obstruct and endanger law enforcement,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a public statement. “States may not deliberately interfere with our efforts to remove illegal aliens and arrest criminals—New Jersey’s sanctuary policies will not stand.”

Upon taking office, Bondi instructed the Justice Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws or policies that facilitate violations of federal immigration laws or impede lawful federal immigration enforcement. 

New Jersey has several sanctuary jurisdictions, meaning local government refuses to assist federal officials in enforcing immigration law. The Justice Department contends the refusal to cooperate leads to the release of dangerous criminal illegal aliens from police custody. 

Acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport criticized the lawsuit. 

“Instead of working with us to promote public safety, and protect our state’s residents, the Trump administration is wasting its resources on a pointless legal challenge to Governor Sherrill’s executive order. Under Governor Sherrill’s leadership, New Jersey will continue to ensure the safety of our immigrant communities. We look forward to defending this executive order in court.”

Sherrill signed the executive order on Feb. 11, announcing she wanted to uphold the constitutional rights of state residents. 

“This executive order will prohibit ICE from using state property to launch operations,” Sherrill said in a public statement about the order. 

She added that “the Trump administration’s lawless actions will not go unchecked in New Jersey.” 

“Given ICE’s willingness to flout the Constitution and violently endanger communities—detaining children, arresting citizens, and even killing several innocent civilians—I will stand up for New Jerseyans right to be safe,” Sherrill said.