TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced new funding and legal response efforts aimed at supporting New Jersey residents facing immigration detention and deportation.
Sherrill and legislative leaders announced a $12 million increase for the Detention Deportation Defense Initiative, bringing total funding for the program to $20.2 million. The initiative provides free legal representation to low-income New Jersey residents facing detention and deportation.
The governor also announced a Rapid Legal Response Initiative through the state Office of New Americans to expand emergency immigration legal services, including habeas corpus petitions and other federal litigation.
The administration said the efforts come amid increased federal immigration enforcement and detention operations, including at Delaney Hall in Newark.
“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, and to the rights enshrined in our Constitution – the rights I swore to protect when I served in Navy, the U.S. Attorney’s office, and as an elected official. These include access to due process and a fair hearing under the law, regardless of where you were born,” said Governor Sherrill. “As the Trump Administration makes it more difficult for members of our community to challenge detention and deportation, access to qualified legal representation has never been more important. Here in New Jersey, we are helping ensure more New Jersey residents receive due process under the law and more New Jersey attorneys are mobilized to stand up for the fundamental human rights of detainees and their families.”
State officials said the increased funding will expand legal services for low-income detainees, including those held at Delaney Hall.
“The treatment of the detainees at Delaney Hall is offensive to all of us who value human dignity and respect the basic rights of those who are held by the Justice system in this country,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “Their legal rights should not be compromised or ignored – especially if they face the threat of deportation. This emergency funding will provide support for legal services to protect their right to due process and access to fair hearings. This is the type of responsible action we should be taking in New Jersey to prevent further disruptions and restore respect for the legal process and civil engagement. It is a statement of principle that honors the values that we cherish as Americans.”
The Detention Deportation Defense Initiative was launched in 2018 in partnership with community-based legal service providers, including Legal Services of New Jersey, American Friends Service Committee, Rutgers Law School and Seton Hall Law School.
“Our Constitution guarantees people the right to due process,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “The right to a lawyer is a critical element of providing that due process. It is therefore our duty to take action to ensure that we are providing the resources necessary to make the process fair and consistent with our cherished constitutional goals. Putting in place funds to secure representation for people in need is the right thing to do.”
Unlike defendants in criminal cases, people facing immigration proceedings generally do not have a right to a government-appointed attorney, state officials said.
The new Rapid Legal Response Initiative is intended to recruit, train and support volunteer attorneys, coordinate emergency legal responses statewide and connect federal litigators with immigration attorneys representing detained clients.
“New Jersey is strongest when everyone can access the resources and representation they need to navigate our legal system,” said Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha. “We are committed to ensuring that people facing detention or deportation have meaningful access to counsel and the opportunity to be heard, and we are grateful to Governor Sherrill for taking this step. As the demand for services has grown, including through the detainments at Delaney Hall, we are launching this rapid response effort and calling on volunteer attorneys and advocates to help expand capacity. Together, we can ensure that individuals and families across our state are not left to face these challenges alone.”
Officials said the rapid response effort will also support legal challenges to unlawful detention, efforts to secure stays of removal or transfer, and cases involving potential separation from attorneys or family support networks.
“New Jersey families deserve access to due process and legal support during moments of crisis,” said Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson. “This action by the Sherrill Administration is about enhancing access to the legal resources that communities need amid the ongoing federal enforcement activity.”
Seton Hall University School of Law will help coordinate attorney trainings in partnership with organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, the American Immigration Lawyers Association New Jersey Chapter, Make the Road New Jersey, Legal Services of New Jersey, American Friends Service Committee and Rutgers University Law School.
“Every person deserves access to due process and meaningful legal representation, regardless of their immigration status or income,” said ONA Director Johanna Calle. “By making this additional investment, New Jersey is strengthening its commitment to protecting families, defending constitutional rights, and ensuring that no one faces detention or deportation alone. We are grateful to Governor Sherrill and the legislature for their leadership and continued investment in immigrant communities across our state.”
Licensed attorneys in good standing may volunteer for the initiative. Trainings are expected to begin before the end of June 2026.
State officials said New Jersey residents detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who need legal support can complete the DDDI referral form. Those seeking representation for an unaccompanied child can complete an online referral form or call 201-305-9217.
