Justice Department Sues New Jersey Governor Over Immigration Order

WASHINGTON – On Monday, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against New Jersey’s Democratic Governor, Mikie Sherrill, challenging her executive order intended to shield state residents from raids on federal lands by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Justice Department’s attorneys accused Sherrill, who previously served as a congresswoman and federal prosecutor, of “deliberately aiming to obstruct federal law enforcement” by issuing Executive Order 12. This order was signed on February 11th.

Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked that while federal employees put themselves in harm’s way to protect New Jersey residents, state leaders are enacting policies that could hinder and jeopardize law enforcement efforts.

Bondi emphasized that the state cannot sabotage initiatives aimed at removing undocumented immigrants and apprehending criminals, asserting that the sanctuary policy in New Jersey is ineffective.

The executive order stipulates that state officials “shall not permit or consent to federal immigration officials to enter, access, or use nonpublic areas of federal land for the purpose of facilitating federal enforcement of civil immigration laws” without a judicial warrant or court order. However, it was noted that these measures do not apply to federal lands accessible to the public.

Federal officials contended that Sherrill’s order violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which dictates that federal law takes precedence over state law. They are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the order from being enforced.

The Justice Department voiced particular concerns regarding restricted access to New Jersey prisons, which hampers the “safe apprehension” of criminal undocumented immigrants—a longstanding priority for border czar Tom Homan.

According to the Justice Department, New Jersey’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has allowed dangerous criminals, who could otherwise be deported, to be released back onto the streets. This includes individuals with convictions for serious offenses such as aggravated assault, robbery, and drug and human trafficking.

Sherrill’s office has not yet commented on the matter.

In addition to the order, Sherrill’s administration has set up a portal for residents to document interactions between the state attorney general’s office and ICE.

Her team highlighted the recent shootings of Renee Good and Alex Preti in Minneapolis as a motivating factor behind the executive order.

Last year, Bondi was active in the Justice Department’s civil division, flagging state and local laws that obstruct federal immigration enforcement.