New Jersey Governor Condemns 'Lawless' ICE Raids

Sherrill calls for end to federal immigration enforcement operations in the state

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:47am

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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is taking a strong stance against what she calls 'unaccountable, untrained and lawless' US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in the state. Sherrill is demanding an end to ICE raids, most of which she says are conducted without proper court-sanctioned warrants, and wants the federal agents out of New Jersey altogether.

Why it matters

Sherrill's criticism of ICE comes in the wake of two deadly shootings involving the federal agents in Minnesota, raising concerns about the use of force and lack of oversight. The governor's actions highlight growing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with Sherrill and other state and federal lawmakers voicing strong opposition to ICE's tactics.

The details

Sherrill has taken her message to national media outlets, appearing on 'The Daily Show' to urge residents to record and report any ICE activity. She also plans to launch an online portal for people to upload videos of ICE raids and arrests. The governor has accused ICE agents of 'occupying cities, inciting violence, and violating the Constitution.' The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back, saying federal authorities have a duty to enforce immigration laws and that New Jersey will be 'less safe' due to the state's policies.

  • On January 28th, 2026, Sherrill appeared on 'The Daily Show' to deliver her anti-ICE message.
  • In the wake of two deadly ICE shootings in Minnesota in early 2026.

The players

Gov. Mikie Sherrill

The governor of New Jersey who is taking a strong stance against ICE operations in the state, accusing the federal agents of being 'unaccountable, untrained and lawless.'

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees ICE, which has criticized Sherrill's efforts to limit the agency's activities in New Jersey, saying it will make the state 'less safe.'

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What they’re saying

“If you see an ICE agent in the street, get your phone out … we want to know. We are not going to allow any ICE raids to be staged (on) state properties.”

— Gov. Mikie Sherrill

“These untrained, masked agents aren't making communities safer — they're occupying cities, inciting violence, and violating the Constitution.”

— Gov. Mikie Sherrill

“New Jersey will be less safe as a direct result of these policies.”

— U.S. Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

Sherrill plans to launch an online portal for residents to upload videos of ICE raids and arrests in New Jersey.

The takeaway

Sherrill's strong stance against ICE's tactics in New Jersey highlights the growing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with the governor and other lawmakers accusing the federal agents of violating civil liberties and inciting violence in local communities.