Justice Department Sues New Jersey Over Sanctuary Policies
The Justice Department has initiated a lawsuit against New Jersey and its Democratic Governor, Mikie Sherrill. The complaint centers on allegations that the state has expanded its sanctuary policies and impeded federal immigration enforcement through recent executive orders.
Filed on Monday, the lawsuit challenges Executive Order 12. This order prevents U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration agencies from capturing undocumented individuals in non-public areas of federal property, such as state correctional institutions.
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed concerns that the policy jeopardizes both federal workers and the general public. “Federal employees risk their lives to keep New Jerseyans safe, but New Jersey’s leaders are enacting policies designed to obstruct and endanger law enforcement,” she stated.
Bondi emphasized that the state should not intentionally undermine efforts to detain illegal immigrants and apprehend criminals. “New Jersey’s sanctuary policy does not work,” she added.
The lawsuit argues that this executive order unlawfully restricts cooperation between state and federal authorities, resulting in the release of “dangerous criminals” who would otherwise be taken into custody. This group reportedly includes undocumented immigrants with convictions for aggravated assault, robbery, and drug and human trafficking offenses.
The Justice Department contends that the order discriminates against federal immigration officials, clashes with Congress’ authority over immigration, and violates the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. The complaint outlines how the policy forbids ICE from utilizing state prisons, courthouses, parking lots, or other facilities for activities related to immigration enforcement.
On his first day in office, Bondi directed the civil division to pinpoint state and local laws and regulations that could undermine federal immigration efforts.
This lawsuit is one of several legal actions launched by the Civil Division targeting sanctuary policies in various states and cities, including New York, Minnesota, and Los Angeles.
