Jackson township becomes first test of mikie sherrill's new ice mask ban and ice won the battle

ICE arrests previously deported man in Jackson operation, sparking clash with NJ officials. Federal agents took suspect into custody as state leaders dispute mask law and enforcement authority

JACKSON, N.J. — A previously deported man with a domestic violence conviction was arrested during a targeted ICE operation in Jackson Township, intensifying an ongoing conflict between federal immigration authorities and New Jersey officials over enforcement practices.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that officers arrested Rubiel Gabriel Nolasco, a Mexican national, on April 1 during an operation conducted by ICE Newark in Jackson.

It was the first publicly highlighted showdown between masked ICE agents and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s new law prohibiting agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities for their protection. In this case, ICE wore masks and got their man. A clear victory in defiance of Sherrill’s new law.

According to ICE, Nolasco had been arrested twice by U.S. Border Patrol in 2021 and returned to Mexico both times. He was later arrested by Toms River police on July 29, 2024, for domestic violence—simple assault—and pleaded guilty. Officials said he also faces pending charges for driving with a suspended license or registration.

ICE highlights enforcement priorities

Federal officials described the arrest as part of a targeted effort focused on individuals with prior criminal histories.

Nolasco is currently in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, the agency said.

“During targeted operations in Jackson, New Jersey, ICE Newark officers encountered and arrested” Nolasco, an ICE spokeswoman said, adding that the agency continues to prioritize enforcement against individuals who have previously been deported and later reentered the United States.

In a broader statement, ICE officials emphasized their stance on enforcement under current federal policy.

“If you come to our country illegally and break our law, we will find you and we will arrest you,” the agency said.

State officials challenge enforcement tactics

The arrest quickly drew a response from Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s office, which raised concerns about ICE agents reportedly wearing masks during the operation.

New Jersey recently enacted a law requiring law enforcement officers, including federal agents operating in the state, to identify themselves and generally prohibiting the use of masks during enforcement actions.

“Governor Sherrill is prepared to take any necessary measures if ICE continues to violate the law,” spokesman Sean Higgins said. “Including taking the Trump Administration back to court.”

Key Points

• ICE arrested a previously deported man with a domestic violence conviction in Jackson
• New Jersey officials raised concerns over agents wearing masks during the operation
• Federal authorities say they will not comply with the state’s law governing enforcement conduct

Federal-state conflict escalates

ICE pushed back forcefully, arguing that New Jersey does not have authority over federal enforcement practices.

“Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers,” ICE officials said in a statement.

“To be crystal clear: we will not abide by this unconstitutional ban. The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that New Jersey’s sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement.”

The dispute reflects a broader legal and political clash over the extent to which states can regulate or influence federal immigration operations within their borders.

Local officials confirm limited involvement

Jackson Township officials confirmed that an ICE operation took place but said they were not directly involved.

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn acknowledged the activity on social media last week but did not provide details.

Jackson Police Chief Matthew Kunz, through township communications, indicated the department had no prior notice of the operation and did not assist federal agents.

“We do not participate in any federal immigration enforcement,” a township official said, citing the New Jersey Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.

The directive is part of a broader set of policies in New Jersey designed to separate local policing from federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Ongoing legal and policy questions

The incident underscores growing tensions as New Jersey expands legal protections governing law enforcement conduct, while federal agencies assert their authority to operate independently.

Related coverage has tracked similar disputes across the state, particularly following new laws addressing officer identification and cooperation with immigration authorities.

As the case moves forward, Nolasco remains in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings, while the broader conflict between state and federal officials over enforcement practices remains unresolved.

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