Gov. Sherrill Takes Action To Restrict ICE Operations In NJ

Governor Mikie Sherrill has taken action to limit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from launching operations on state property and provide a way for New Jerseyans to report potentially unconstitutional actions by ICE.

The Democrat, still in her first month in office, has signed Executive Order 12, banning ICE agents from operating on any state-owned, state-leased, or state-controlled property without a judicial warrant or judicial order.

These properties can include, but are not limited to, state-operated office buildings, parking garages, or parking lots, according to the executive order.

“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,” Sherrill said in a statement. “This executive order will prohibit ICE from using state property to launch operations.”

Additionally, Sherrill’s administration has launched a portal in which residents, documented or otherwise, can report ICE activity they believe to be unconstitutional.

More: NJ To Track ICE Activity Through Citizen Portal, Sherrill Says

The portal allows users to upload as many as five photos and five videos at a time. It also offers checklists of where the incident may have occurred and what may have happened. Users can report incidents anonymously if they wish.

The governor has launched another website, nj.gov/knowyourrights, that provides residents with information on their Constitutional rights, shows them where to find pro-bono immigration lawyers, and provides other “important resources.”

“Today, we are making clear that the Trump administration’s lawless actions will not go unchecked in New Jersey,” she said. “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.”

Sherrill’s actions have been met with support from civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

“We applaud Gov. Sherrill’s meaningful efforts to combat ICE’s lawlessness and abuse through this executive order and look forward to continue working with her administration to ensure everyone who calls our state home truly feels safe to live the life we all deserve,” said ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha. “New Jersey must do everything in its power to keep families safe and defend democracy, and that includes immediate passage of legislation protecting our residents from ICE.”

Patch has reached out to ICE representatives, who were not immediately available for comment.