New Jersey becomes epicenter for Anti-ICE policies

With the state, county and local governments banning ICE agents from government property, NJ sets the stage for a showdown with the Trump administration.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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New Jersey has become a battleground in the fight against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, with the state, county, and local governments taking steps to restrict ICE operations. Governor Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order banning ICE agents from all state-owned or controlled property, and a growing number of county and municipal governments have followed suit. Democratic state legislators have also introduced multiple bills to further limit ICE activities in the state, while even some Republican lawmakers have joined in opposing a new ICE detention facility in Morris County. At the same time, the number of reported ICE enforcement actions in New Jersey continues to rise.

Why it matters

The actions taken by New Jersey officials to limit ICE's presence and operations in the state represent a significant challenge to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement agenda. As the state becomes a focal point for anti-ICE policies, it sets the stage for a potential legal and political showdown between state and federal authorities over the limits of immigration enforcement.

The details

Democratic state legislators have introduced three bills targeting ICE operations in New Jersey. One proposal would impose a 50% tax on private detention facilities and create an 'Immigrant Protection Fund.' Another bill would authorize all state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers to access crime scenes and evidence within their jurisdiction, making it a criminal offense for any person, including a federal officer, to block that access. Meanwhile, a growing number of county and municipal governments, including Middlesex County and the city of New Brunswick, have passed resolutions banning ICE agents from using government-owned or controlled property for civil immigration enforcement.

  • Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order banning ICE agents from all state-owned or controlled property.
  • Democratic state legislators have introduced multiple bills to further restrict ICE activities in the state.

The players

Gov. Mikie Sherrill

The governor of New Jersey who signed an executive order banning ICE agents from all state-owned or controlled property.

Assemblywoman Katie Brennan

A Democratic state legislator who has backed a measure to impose a 50% tax on private detention facilities operating under government contracts in New Jersey.

Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia

A Republican state legislator from Morris County who has expressed concerns about the proposed ICE detention facility in Roxbury, citing issues with the site's ability to handle the water and septic needs of a 1,500-person facility.

Ronald Rios

The Middlesex County Commissioners director who has proposed a resolution banning ICE agents from using any property owned or controlled by the county for civil immigration enforcement.

Shawn Potillo

The mayor of New Brunswick who announced a ban on ICE agents using any city-owned property as staging areas or for the detention of suspects.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.