The Trump administration has escalated its legal battle against “sanctuary” jurisdictions, officially suing New Jersey and Governor Mikie Sherrill. The lawsuit challenges a recent executive order that blocks federal agents from using state property for immigration arrests.
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The conflict stems from Executive Order No. 12, which Governor Sherrill enacted on February 11, 2026. This order effectively shuts the door on federal immigration operations within state-controlled environments.
- No Entry: Federal agents are barred from non-public areas of state buildings, jails, and courthouses without a judicial warrant.
- No Staging: The state prohibits federal authorities from using state facilities as “bases of operations” for raids or processing.
- Public Monitoring: New Jersey has encouraged residents to use a state-run portal to report and upload footage of federal enforcement actions.
The Administration’s Stance
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi contends that New Jersey is obstructing federal law. The lawsuit argues:
- Constitutional Overreach: Under the Supremacy Clause, state orders cannot override federal immigration mandates.
- Obstruction: The administration claims the state is actively hindering law enforcement by encouraging public “surveillance” of agents.
- Unequal Treatment: The DOJ argues that if local police can access these facilities, federal agents must be granted the same access.
The Governor’s Response
Governor Sherrill has remained defiant, stating that New Jersey resources will not be “weaponized” for federal civil enforcement. The state’s defense hinges on the principle that the federal government cannot “commandeer” state property or staff to carry out its specific policy goals.
