Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against New Jersey and Governor Mikie Sherrill Over Executive Order Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Washington

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice has launched a legal battle against the State of New Jersey and Governor Mikie Sherrill, challenging a recently issued Executive Order No. 12 that federal officials say hinders their ability to enforce immigration laws.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi framed the lawsuit in stark terms: “Federal agents are risking their lives to keep New Jersey citizens safe, and yet New Jersey’s leaders are enacting policies designed to obstruct and endanger law enforcement.

States may not deliberately interfere with our efforts to remove illegal aliens and arrest criminals — New Jersey’s sanctuary policies will not stand.”

What the Executive Order Does

New Jersey’s Executive Order limits federal immigration officials, including ICE agents, from carrying out secure arrests in nonpublic areas of state property.

This includes state correctional facilities where many incarcerated immigrants may otherwise be identified and removed from the country.

According to the DOJ complaint, the policy leads to the release of dangerous criminals who would otherwise face federal removal.

The complaint cites examples of illegal aliens with convictions for aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking being returned to communities rather than being held for federal enforcement action.

The DOJ’s Broader Effort Against Sanctuary Policies

Attorney General Bondi has made challenging sanctuary jurisdictions a top priority.

On her first day in office, she directed the DOJ’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws and policies that interfere with federal immigration enforcement.

A list of sanctuary jurisdictions was published in August 2025, and New Jersey’s Executive Order has been added to the ongoing concerns.

This is not the first legal strike against sanctuary policies.

The DOJ has previously filed lawsuits targeting jurisdictions in New York, Minnesota, and Los Angeles, California, arguing that local and state actions that obstruct federal immigration enforcement endanger public safety.

Political and Legal Reactions

The lawsuit underscores the continuing tension between state-level sanctuary policies and federal immigration law.

Supporters of sanctuary policies argue that limiting ICE operations protects immigrant communities and encourages cooperation with local police.

Critics contend that such policies put citizens at risk by allowing convicted criminals to avoid federal oversight.

Legal experts note that these cases are likely to draw on constitutional arguments over federal authority versus states’ rights.

Courts have previously wrestled with whether states can lawfully impede federal enforcement of immigration laws, making New Jersey’s case a potentially significant precedent.

What’s Next?

The case will now proceed through federal court, with New Jersey expected to defend its Executive Order.

If the DOJ succeeds, the ruling could restrict sanctuary policies in other states, affecting how local and state governments coordinate with federal immigration authorities.

Observers will also be watching for appeals, which could take months or years to resolve.

In the meantime, federal and state officials are likely to engage in negotiations, and communities in New Jersey may see changes to how immigration enforcement is handled on state property.

Summary

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey and Governor Mikie Sherrill over Executive Order No. 12, which limits federal immigration enforcement on state property.

The DOJ argues the policy releases convicted criminal aliens back into communities, violating federal law.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi is leading the charge as part of a wider campaign against sanctuary policies nationwide, with similar litigation ongoing in New York, Minnesota, and Los Angeles.

The case could have major implications for how states cooperate with federal immigration authorities.