Trump Administration Sues New Jersey Over Immigration Arrest Restrictions

State order prohibits federal agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas of state property

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey over an executive order issued by Governor Mikie Sherrill that prohibits federal immigration agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas of state property, such as correctional facilities and courthouses. The Justice Department claims the order poses an 'intolerable obstacle' to immigration enforcement and 'directly regulates and discriminates' against the federal government.

Why it matters

This lawsuit is the latest in the ongoing battle between the Trump administration and state/local governments over immigration enforcement policies. The administration has taken legal action against several states and cities with 'sanctuary' laws aimed at limiting cooperation between local police and federal immigration agents.

The details

Governor Sherrill's executive order, issued on February 11, bars the use of state property as a staging or processing area for immigration enforcement. The Justice Department lawsuit, filed on Monday in federal court, accuses Sherrill of attempting to 'obstruct federal law enforcement and thwart President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.' New Jersey's acting attorney general has vowed to fight the lawsuit and continue ensuring the safety of the state's immigrant communities.

  • The executive order was issued by Governor Sherrill on February 11, 2026.
  • The Justice Department filed the lawsuit against New Jersey on February 24, 2026.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic governor of New Jersey who issued the executive order restricting federal immigration arrests on state property.

Jennifer Davenport

The acting attorney general of New Jersey, who has vowed to fight the Trump administration's lawsuit.

Donald Trump

The former president whose immigration crackdown policies are at the center of the dispute between the federal government and the state of New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“What I think the federal government needs to be focused on right now, instead of attacking states like New Jersey working to keep people safe, is actually training their ICE agents.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey (Associated Press)

“The Trump administration was 'wasting its resources on a pointless legal challenge.' New Jersey will fight the lawsuit and 'continue to ensure the safety of our state's immigrant communities.'”

— Jennifer Davenport, Acting Attorney General of New Jersey (Associated Press)

What’s next

The case will proceed through the federal court system, with New Jersey vowing to fight the Trump administration's lawsuit.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and state/local authorities over immigration enforcement policies. The outcome could have significant implications for the ability of states to enact their own measures to protect immigrant communities.