Trump Administration Sues New Jersey Over Immigration Arrest Restrictions

The lawsuit challenges a state order that prohibits federal immigration 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 restricts federal immigration agents from making arrests in certain areas of state property. The Justice Department claims the order poses an "intolerable obstacle" to immigration enforcement and "directly regulates and discriminates" against the federal government. New Jersey's acting attorney general has vowed to fight the lawsuit, stating the Trump administration is "wasting its resources on a pointless legal challenge."

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 federal government is seeking to expand its ability to conduct immigration arrests, while states like New Jersey are trying to limit federal agents' access to certain areas and protect immigrant communities.

The details

The lawsuit challenges a February 11th executive order issued by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat who took office on January 20th. The order prohibits federal immigration agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas of state property, such as correctional facilities and courthouses, and bars the use of state property as a staging or processing area for immigration enforcement. The Justice Department claims Sherrill is "insisting on harboring criminal offenders from federal law enforcement" and attempting to obstruct the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

  • The executive order was issued by Governor Sherrill on February 11, 2026.
  • The Trump administration 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 agents' access to certain state properties.

Jennifer Davenport

New Jersey's acting attorney general, who has vowed to fight the Trump administration's lawsuit and continue ensuring the safety of the state's immigrant communities.

Donald Trump

The former president whose administration is suing New Jersey over the state's 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 (nbcnews.com)

“The Trump administration is wasting its resources on a pointless legal challenge.”

— Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Acting Attorney General (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The federal lawsuit against New Jersey is ongoing, and a judge will need to decide whether to uphold or block the state's restrictions on immigration enforcement in certain areas.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued tension between the federal government and state/local authorities over immigration policies, with the Trump administration seeking to expand its enforcement powers while states like New Jersey aim to protect their immigrant communities. The outcome could set an important precedent for how much control states have over federal immigration operations within their borders.