ICE Slams Gov. Sherrill's New Anti-ICE Policies in New Jersey

Authorities say the governor's actions endanger public safety and law enforcement.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has issued a scathing statement criticizing New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill's new policies aimed at limiting ICE's activities in the state. The governor recently signed an executive order banning ICE agents from state property and created a new web portal for residents to report ICE encounters. ICE claims these actions are "legally illiterate" and will only harm the communities they are meant to protect.

Why it matters

The clash between Governor Sherrill and the federal immigration authorities highlights the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement in the state. Sherrill's policies are seen as part of a broader effort by the state to limit cooperation with ICE, while the agency argues that such actions undermine public safety. This dispute could have significant implications for how immigration is policed in New Jersey going forward.

The details

In its statement, ICE said the governor's executive order banning its agents from state property and the new web portal for reporting ICE encounters are "legally illiterate" and "dangerous." The agency claimed that these actions will only benefit "heinous criminals" and make New Jersey less safe. Meanwhile, the governor's office has refused to comment on ICE's criticisms. The state legislature has also advanced a bill that would codify Sherrill's controversial "Immigrant Trust Directive" into law, further limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

  • On February 13, 2026, ICE issued a statement criticizing Governor Sherrill's new anti-ICE policies.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Governor of New Jersey who has implemented new policies to limit ICE's activities in the state.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency that has condemned Governor Sherrill's actions as "legally illiterate" and dangerous to public safety.

John DiMaio

The Republican Assembly Leader in New Jersey who has warned that the governor's policies could endanger law enforcement and communities.

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What’s next

The state Assembly committee has advanced a bill that would codify Governor Sherrill's Immigrant Trust Directive into law, further limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for the ongoing dispute between the state and ICE.

The takeaway

The clash between Governor Sherrill and ICE highlights the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in New Jersey. While the governor's policies aim to protect immigrant communities, ICE argues that such actions endanger public safety. This dispute reflects the broader national debate over the role of federal immigration authorities and the extent to which states and localities can limit their activities.