Roxbury ICE Facility Paused for Review

Incoming Homeland Security Secretary to Examine Contracts and Policies

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:23am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a plain, unassuming government warehouse building, its facade illuminated by warm, angled sunlight casting long shadows across the structure, conveying a sense of political and bureaucratic uncertainty.The temporary pause on the Roxbury ICE facility project reflects the new administration's efforts to re-evaluate the previous policies and decisions.Newark Today

A proposed $129.3 million ICE detention facility in Roxbury, New Jersey has been temporarily paused by the Department of Homeland Security for a review of contracts and policies approved by former Secretary Kristi Noem. The pause comes as New Jersey has filed a lawsuit to stop the facility, arguing it would overburden local services and infrastructure.

Why it matters

The Roxbury facility is one of 11 warehouses purchased by ICE for over $1 billion, sparking lawsuits from several states over lack of consultation with local officials. The pause allows incoming Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to review the previous administration's decisions, which faced bipartisan opposition in New Jersey.

The details

The Route 46 facility in Ledgewood was one of the warehouses purchased by ICE. At least three lawsuits, including one by New Jersey, have been filed over the facilities, arguing that former Secretary Noem did not comply with federal law requiring consultation with state and local officials. Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill and local Republican leaders have joined in opposing the project.

  • The Department of Homeland Security purchased the $129.3 million Roxbury warehouse in 2026.
  • The pause on the facility was announced in April 2026.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The incoming Homeland Security Secretary who will review the contracts and policies approved by former Secretary Kristi Noem.

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic Governor of New Jersey who has joined with local Republican leaders to file a lawsuit opposing the Roxbury ICE facility.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary whose contracts and policies for the ICE facility purchases are now under review.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump Administration's plans for a detention facility in Roxbury will not make our residents safer. Instead, this facility will overburden local services and infrastructure.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

“I would visit the Roxbury site to address [Senator Andy Kim's] concerns if I were confirmed as [Secretary Kristi Noem's] successor.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Nominee for Homeland Security Secretary

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Roxbury ICE facility to move forward during the review period.

The takeaway

This pause on the Roxbury ICE facility highlights the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement policies, with the new administration seeking to re-examine the previous administration's decisions in the face of bipartisan local opposition.