Context:

A federal lawsuit accuses New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill of obstructing federal immigration enforcement by a state order restricting access to state property for federal agents unless a judicial warrant. The policy, signed Feb. 11, excludes public spaces, but the DOJ argues it harms enforcement and endangers public safety. The dispute centers on coordination with ICE at jails and the handling of non-public areas, raising broader questions about sanctuary policies and criminal removals. Sherrill defends focusing on training for ICE rather than confrontation with state authorities, while the DOJ signals potential consequences for sanctuary approaches. The case foreshadows a broader clash over state-federal immigration roles and enforcement approaches.

Dive Deeper:

• The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, alleging that her order to limit access for federal immigration officers constitutes an intentional obstruction of federal law enforcement.

• Sherrill signed the order on February 11, directing state agencies to not permit or consent to federal immigration officers entering nonpublic areas of state property unless there is a court order or judicial warrant; the policy explicitly excludes public areas open to the general public.

• The DOJ criticized New Jersey’s approach as part of sanctuary policies and argued that it results in the release of dangerous criminals from police custody who would otherwise be eligible for removal, mentioning aggravated offenses as examples, though the order itself limits access rather than detailing specific crimes.

• Sherrill countered by saying the federal government should concentrate on training ICE agents rather than attacking states that seek to keep people safe, framing the issue as one of resource and compliance rather than jurisdictional conflict.

• Attorney General Pam Bondi called the governor’s policies obstructive and stated that states cannot interfere with federal immigration removals, signaling the administration’s stance on enforcing federal civil immigration law.