Warren County officials dispute inclusion on federal list of sanctuary jurisdictions
WARREN COUNTY, N.J. — Warren County officials expressed surprise this week after the county appeared on a now-deleted list of sanctuary jurisdictions published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, saying the county has consistently supported and cooperated with federal immigration enforcement.
Officials said they are looking into why Warren County was included on the DHS list, especially given the county’s recent record of collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.
“The county has always cooperated, and will continue to cooperate, with DHS, ICE and all federal immigration laws,” officials said in a statement.
According to the county, the Warren County Correctional Facility maintains an active working relationship with the New Jersey Operations Bureau of Homeland Security. Just two weeks ago, officials said, the county corrections department coordinated with ICE on the transfer of a detainee to DHS custody.
Warren County officials also pointed to several resolutions passed in recent years underscoring their support for immigration enforcement:
- Resolution 109-25, adopted unanimously on Feb. 26, 2025, called on Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin to uphold state and federal immigration laws amid rising concerns over illegal immigration.
- Resolution 680-24, adopted unanimously on Dec. 11, 2024, expressed support for increased cooperation between state and federal agencies to enhance public safety and uphold the rule of law.
- Resolution 416-19, adopted unanimously on Aug. 28, 2019, supported Ocean County’s litigation against then-Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s 2018 directive that limited local law enforcement’s role in civil immigration enforcement.
County officials extended an invitation to DHS personnel to visit Warren County and its correctional facility to see firsthand how the county complies with federal immigration directives.
