The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey challenging a state order restricting federal immigration enforcement. The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Trenton, takes aim at an executive order issued by Governor Mikie Sherrill on February 11.
Legal Challenge
Governor Sherrill’s order prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas of state property, including correctional facilities and courthouses. It also prevents the use of state property as a staging or processing area for immigration enforcement activities.
The lawsuit accuses Sherrill of attempting to obstruct federal law enforcement and thwart President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, stating she “insists on harboring criminal offenders from federal law enforcement.” The Justice Department also noted the lawsuit misspelled Governor Sherrill’s name as “Sherill.”
State Response
Governor Sherrill responded to the lawsuit Tuesday, stating that the federal government should focus on “training their ICE agents” rather than “attacking states like New Jersey working to keep people safe.” New Jersey’s acting attorney general, Jennifer Davenport, characterized the lawsuit as a “pointless legal challenge” and affirmed the state’s commitment to fighting the suit and “ensuring the safety of our state’s immigrant communities.”
This is not the first time the Trump administration has pursued legal action against states and cities over immigration policies. Last year, lawsuits were filed against Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver concerning so-called “sanctuary laws.” A separate case against four New Jersey cities – Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken – remains pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lawsuit allege?
The lawsuit alleges that Governor Sherrill’s executive order “poses an intolerable obstacle” to immigration enforcement and “directly regulates and discriminates” against the federal government.
What is New Jersey’s response to the lawsuit?
New Jersey plans to fight the lawsuit and will “continue to ensure the safety of our state’s immigrant communities,” according to acting attorney general Jennifer Davenport.
Has the Trump administration sued other states or cities over immigration policies?
Yes, the Trump administration has sued Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver over “sanctuary laws,” and also has a pending case against Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken in New Jersey.
What impact this legal challenge will have on immigration enforcement in New Jersey remains to be seen. A ruling in favor of the federal government could significantly broaden the authority of ICE agents within the state, while a victory for New Jersey could reinforce the state’s ability to set its own policies regarding immigration enforcement on state property.