Sherrill opposes proposed ICE detention facility in Roxbury, vows to use “every tool” to protect residents
ROXBURY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Friday formally opposed a federal proposal to convert a 470,000-square-foot warehouse in Roxbury Township into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, as local officials vowed to pursue legal action following the property’s sale.
In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Sherrill cited what she described as a lack of transparency from federal officials and raised concerns about the projected strain on local infrastructure, environmental impacts and public safety. The proposed facility at 1879 Route 46 could house up to 1,500 detainees.
Sherrill noted unanimous opposition from the Roxbury Township Council and said the state would explore all available options to protect residents. She pledged New Jersey would use “every tool” at its disposal if DHS fails to comply with applicable federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Last week, Roxbury officials said ICE finalized the purchase of the Route 46 property from Dalfen Industrial despite Resolution 2026-029, which formally opposed the project. The mayor and Township Council said they were “profoundly disappointed” by the sale and authorized their legal team to challenge the development in court.
“Roxbury Township will not passively accept this outcome,” township officials said in a statement, adding that infrastructure capacity, environmental constraints, easements and intermunicipal agreements would be examined through the legal process.
Local leaders have argued the warehouse is not an appropriate site for a detention center, describing it as an unapproved use in a suburban residential area. They cited concerns about water and sewer capacity and the potential burden on emergency services. The township’s volunteer fire and EMS departments and its 42-member police force are not structured to absorb the demands such a facility could impose, officials said. The police department has already spent about $20,000 addressing the issue, limiting other services.
Township officials also estimated a potential loss of approximately $1.8 million annually in tax revenue affecting the township, school district and Morris County — about $85 million over 30 years.
Roxbury officials said they attempted to negotiate with Dalfen Industrial, including authorizing discussions of up to 10 years of tax abatements totaling roughly $20 million to encourage alternative redevelopment. However, a spokesperson for Dalfen told RNJ that “contrary to statements made by Roxbury Township officials, no 10-year tax abatement was ever offered in connection with this property. Irrespective of any local position, the government’s intent was to acquire the building, and the decision to sell reflected that reality and the fiduciary obligations owed to investors.” Goldman Sachs is the majority partner in the transaction.
Township officials also said repeated communications to DHS about the site selection went unanswered.
U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., said his office has engaged with township officials and senior DHS leadership.
“I understand the frustration and emotion this situation has created,” Kean said in a statement. “The residents of Roxbury can be assured that I will not stop fighting for a workable solution.”
Kean added that many residents support removing criminal migrants from communities and stopping the flow of fentanyl and called for continued constructive engagement.
Sherrill, in her letter, also raised concerns about reported conditions at other ICE detention facilities nationwide, including overcrowding and lack of medical care, and questioned whether a large detention center would make New Jersey residents safer.
Township officials said they will continue to pursue all lawful options and keep residents informed as the situation develops.
