Sherrill signs executive order barring ICE operations on state property, launches reporting portal
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from using nonpublic areas of state property to conduct operations and announced the launch of a new reporting portal and “Know Your Rights” website for residents.
Sherrill, joined by Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and Acting Human Services Commissioner Dr. Stephen Cha, announced Executive Order No. 12 on Tuesday. The order bars ICE agents from entering, accessing or using nonpublic areas of state property for enforcement operations unless authorized by a judicial warrant. The policy applies to locations including residential medical facilities, child care centers, government offices and state university dormitories.
“I take seriously my responsibility to keep New Jersey residents safe and, as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, my commitment to upholding the Constitution will never waver. This executive order will prohibit ICE from using state property to launch operations. To strengthen public safety, we will also give New Jersey residents the tools to report ICE activity to the Attorney General’s office and ensure residents know their Constitutional rights. Today, we are making clear that the Trump administration’s lawless actions will not go unchecked in New Jersey. Given ICE’s willingness to flout the Constitution and violently endanger communities – detaining children, arresting citizens, and even killing several innocent civilians – I will stand up for New Jerseyans right to be safe,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Sherrill also pledged to continue enforcing an existing directive from the attorney general aimed at building trust between state and local law enforcement and immigrant communities.
As part of the announcement, the Office of the Attorney General launched an online portal allowing residents to upload information, photos and videos of interactions with ICE in New Jersey. The portal, available at www.njoag.gov/portal, seeks details about potential misconduct, including allegations of excessive force, warrantless searches or arrests, racial profiling, wrongful detentions or other civil rights violations. The form is available in 10 languages.
“It is essential that federal agents who conduct immigration enforcement operations in New Jersey follow the Constitution, as well as federal and state laws. When federal immigration officers violate the law and sow fear in our communities, they undermine public trust in law enforcement and make it harder for us to keep the public safe. We encourage the public to share photos and videos through our new online portal. We will ensure the safety of our communities and hold the federal government accountable when they violate the law,” said Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.
Sherrill also announced the launch of a state website providing information about residents’ rights when interacting with federal agents. The site, available at nj.gov/knowyourrights, includes downloadable materials in 22 languages, according to the administration.
“At a time when the Trump administration continues to undermine Constitutional protections and spread fear in immigrant communities, the Sherrill Administration is committed to standing on the side of facts, fairness, and human dignity. The Office of New Americans’ Know Your Rights and legal services information help ensure that residents have accurate, helpful guidance and legal representation for their day in court, no matter where they were born and what language they speak. The Know Your Rights information is available in 22 languages and are downloadable to print out or post online. In New Jersey, we will not allow misinformation or intimidation to deny people the rights and resources they are entitled to under the law,” said Human Services Acting Commissioner Stephen Cha.
The administration said information submitted through the portal may be used to enforce the law, serve as evidence in court or be referred to other state agencies.
