Jackson, NJ – In a move that directly challenges New Jersey’s sanctuary state policies, Jackson Township’s governing body voted this week to formally declare the town will not be a sanctuary city as a byproduct of New Jersey’s sanctuary state status — and will fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities, including ICE.
During a council meeting on Thursday, Resolution 274-2025 was introduced and passed, solidifying Jackson’s stance against state directives that discourage coordination with federal immigration enforcement. Councilman Giusseppe Palmeri introduced the measure, stating the resolution was based on a similar one passed by nearby Howell Township — though he emphasized Jackson’s version was “even stronger.”
The resolution declares Jackson Township’s opposition to sanctuary policies, which it describes as obstructive to local law enforcement and a threat to public safety and federal funding.
Palmeri said New Jersey’s sanctuary framework of undermining federal immigration law and limiting local government’s ability to protect its residents. He said is also handcuffs police and township officials’ ability to keep their community safe.
The township council stated that all officials and the Jackson Police Department have a duty to uphold both state and federal law. The resolution makes clear that Jackson will not restrict cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any federal agency legally permitted to operate within the jurisdiction.
The next day, ICE operatives conducted an operation in Jackson in the area of Farmingdale Road. The agency has not elaborated on the scope or targets in that operation.
According to the resolution, the township believes that the government’s focus should remain on improving services for residents rather than protecting individuals who are in the country illegally. It also calls on the governor and state legislature to re-evaluate current policies in the interest of safety, health, and financial stability.
Palmeri said the measure was passed to ensure Jackson “never allows” itself to be designated a sanctuary city, and to put the safety and priorities of its legal residents first.
The vote places Jackson Township among a small but vocal group of municipalities openly defying the state’s sanctuary stance — potentially setting up future legal or political battles between local and state governments.