Trump Administration Sues New Jersey Over Immigration Arrest Restrictions

New Jersey governor says federal government should focus on training ICE agents instead of attacking states.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey over its policies restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The lawsuit claims that New Jersey's Democratic governor, Mikie Sherrill, is "insisting on harboring criminal offenders from federal law enforcement." However, Sherrill and the state's acting attorney general have criticized the lawsuit, stating that the federal government should focus on training ICE agents rather than challenging states' efforts to keep their immigrant communities safe.

Why it matters

This lawsuit is the latest in the Trump administration's ongoing battle against state and local-level restrictions on immigration enforcement, known as "sanctuary" policies. The administration has previously sued other states and cities over similar measures, arguing that they undermine federal authority on immigration matters. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the balance of power between federal and state/local governments on immigration issues.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by the Trump administration against the state of New Jersey, claiming that its policies prohibiting local police from cooperating with federal immigration agents are unlawful. New Jersey's acting attorney general has vowed to fight the lawsuit, stating that the federal government is "wasting its resources on a pointless legal challenge." Last year, the Justice Department sued several other states and cities over their so-called "sanctuary" laws.

  • The lawsuit was filed on February 24, 2026.
  • Last year, the Trump administration sued four New Jersey cities over similar policies.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic governor of New Jersey, who took office on January 20, 2026.

Jennifer Davenport

The acting attorney general of New Jersey, who said the state will fight the lawsuit and continue to ensure the safety of its immigrant communities.

Trump administration

The federal government, led by former President Donald Trump, that has filed the lawsuit against New Jersey over its immigration enforcement policies.

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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

“The Trump administration is 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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between federal and state/local governments over immigration enforcement policies. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power on these issues and the ability of states to implement measures aimed at protecting their immigrant communities.