Trump Administration Sues New Jersey Over Immigration Arrest Restrictions

The lawsuit challenges Gov. Mikie Sherrill's executive order barring federal agents from making arrests on 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 a recent 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 lawsuit claims Sherrill's 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 previously sued other states and cities over so-called 'sanctuary' laws aimed at limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents.

The details

Governor Sherrill's February 11th executive order bars the use of state property as a staging or processing area for immigration enforcement, in addition to prohibiting federal agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas. The Justice Department lawsuit accuses Sherrill, a Democrat, 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 to ensure the safety of our state's immigrant communities.'

  • On February 11, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill issued the executive order at the center of the lawsuit.
  • On February 24, 2026, the Trump administration filed the lawsuit against New Jersey in federal court.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic governor of New Jersey who issued the executive order restricting federal immigration enforcement 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 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 (pilotonline.com)

“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 (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The case will now 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 implement their own measures aimed at protecting immigrant communities.