A federal judge ruled that the U.S. government’s constitutional challenge to sanctuary city policies in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Hoboken cannot move forward, dismissing the lawsuit against the municipalities.
Newark, NJ – A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the United States against four New Jersey cities over their so-called sanctuary city policies, rejecting the federal government’s claims that the local directives violate the U.S. Constitution and federal immigration law.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, targeted Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Hoboken, along with their mayors and governing bodies. The federal government argued the municipalities’ policies unlawfully limit cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement.
Court rejects constitutional claims
In a written opinion, U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin described the term “sanctuary city” as commonly referring to municipalities that limit voluntary assistance with federal civil immigration enforcement beyond what federal law requires.
The complaint alleged the cities’ policies violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause because they are preempted by federal law and also violate the doctrine of intergovernmental immunity.
All four cities filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the federal government’s claims should be rejected. The State of New Jersey, civil liberties organizations and dozens of local governments from across the country also sought permission to participate as friends of the court.
Local policies remain in place
Judge Padin ultimately granted the motions to dismiss, allowing the municipalities’ policies to remain in effect unless the ruling is overturned on appeal.
The opinion noted that many municipalities adopt such policies because local officials believe limiting voluntary cooperation with civil immigration enforcement preserves local law enforcement resources, allows police to focus on local priorities and helps maintain trust between officers and immigrant communities.
The federal government may appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Key Points
- A federal judge dismissed the U.S. government’s lawsuit challenging sanctuary city policies in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Hoboken.
- The lawsuit argued the policies violated the Supremacy Clause and federal immigration law.
- The ruling leaves the cities’ immigration policies in place unless overturned on appeal.
