New Jersey Governor Signs Order Limiting ICE Activity on State Property

Sherrill also launches reporting portal for residents to document federal immigration enforcement actions.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed an executive order aimed at limiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on state-owned property. The order is intended to prevent ICE agents from conducting raids without proper legal authorization. Sherrill's administration also launched a new website to inform residents of their rights and a reporting portal for documenting alleged misconduct or violations by ICE.

Why it matters

The executive order and reporting portal are seen as necessary steps to protect civil rights, maintain trust between residents and public institutions, and prevent the use of state resources to facilitate federal immigration enforcement actions that some officials have characterized as overreach.

The details

The executive order prohibits ICE agents from conducting enforcement actions on state-owned property without proper legal authorization. The administration also launched a website to educate residents on their rights when interacting with federal immigration agents, as well as a reporting portal for documenting alleged misconduct or violations by ICE.

  • On February 12, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 12.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Governor of New Jersey who signed the executive order limiting ICE activity on state property.

Carlos Medina

The president and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, who voiced support for the measures to protect small businesses and immigrant communities.

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

The chair of the Legislative Black Caucus in New Jersey, who emphasized the importance of protecting constitutional rights and preventing unlawful enforcement practices.

Ellen Park

A New Jersey Assemblywoman who called the executive order an important step in curbing abuses and pledged continued collaboration to protect immigrant communities.

Amir D. Jones

The Essex County Sheriff, who said the order reinforces the principle that access to non-public state facilities must follow the law, while also underscoring the need to maintain public safety.

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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.