TRENTON, NJ – Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 12 this week, barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from conducting raids on state property without judicial authorization, as state officials and community leaders lined up in support of what they describe as a move to protect residents from federal overreach.
The order, announced Tuesday, restricts the use of non-public state facilities for federal immigration enforcement actions and reinforces existing requirements that agents present proper judicial warrants. Alongside the order, the administration launched a multilingual “Know Your Rights” website and established a reporting portal through the New Jersey Office of Attorney General to document ICE activity statewide.
State officials said the portal will allow residents to upload videos and information related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. According to the administration, the goal is to track enforcement patterns, inform legal strategy, and address potential violations of law.
The executive action follows mounting political debate over the state’s role in overseeing federal immigration activity. Supporters argue the measures strengthen constitutional protections, while critics have warned residents about potential legal risks tied to documenting enforcement operations.
- Executive Order No. 12 restricts ICE activity on state property
- Attorney General’s Office launched ICE reporting portal
- “Know Your Rights” site available in 22 languages
Community leaders voice support
Business and civic leaders across New Jersey publicly backed the governor’s action. Carlos Medina, president and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, said, “New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation and our small business are under siege from ICE’s economic disruption — putting lives and livelihoods at risk. Thank you, Governor Sherrill, for standing with the Hispanic community who contribute $127 billion in GDP annually.”
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the measures reinforce constitutional protections. “New Jersey will not tolerate violations of civil rights or the targeting of vulnerable communities. Accountability, transparency, and the protection of Constitutional rights must remain non-negotiable,” she said, adding that additional work remains ahead.
Assemblywoman Ellen Park stated, “ICE is out of control, it is crucial we are doing everything we can here at the state level to curtail their abuses and hold them accountable.”
Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones emphasized that residents should not interfere with law enforcement activity. “No one should put themselves in harm’s way. No one should interfere with law enforcement activity. If someone chooses to document an interaction, it should be done safely and without escalating a situation,” Jones said, while expressing support for the executive order.
Andrew Caggiano, representing the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, said the organization supports actions that promote trust between communities and law enforcement.
Advocacy groups also weighed in. Lauren Herman of Make the Road New Jersey described the order as “an important first step to uphold due process,” while Priscilla Monico Marin of the New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children said the action draws “a clear line” prioritizing children’s safety.
Additional statewide reaction continues as debate unfolds around Executive Order No. 12 and the scope of state authority over federal immigration enforcement.