COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — Collingswood officials have approved a policy blocking federal immigration agents from using borough-owned property for civil enforcement operations unless they present a judicial warrant, marking a shift in how local facilities can be accessed by agencies like ICE. The resolution, adopted April 23, applies to all municipal buildings, vehicles, parks, and other publicly controlled spaces.
The measure does not stop cooperation in criminal investigations but draws a clear boundary around civil immigration enforcement, aligning borough policy with recent directives from New Jersey state leadership.
Policy mirrors state-level immigration guidance
The Collingswood Board of Commissioners said the resolution reflects both the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive and a February 2026 executive order from the governor. That order restricts federal immigration authorities from using non-public areas of state property without a warrant or court order.
Under the new local policy, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers cannot enter or use non-public borough spaces as staging grounds, processing sites, or operational bases for civil immigration actions unless legally authorized.
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Key Points
• Collingswood bars ICE from borough property without a judicial warrant
• Policy applies to buildings, parks, vehicles, and all municipal spaces
• Criminal law cooperation remains allowed under existing laws
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Clear line between civil and criminal enforcement
The resolution repeatedly emphasizes that it applies only to civil immigration enforcement. Borough employees and police are still permitted to comply with valid court orders, share information required by federal law, and assist in criminal matters.
Officials also reaffirmed that the Collingswood Police Department will continue following New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits how local law enforcement can engage in federal immigration enforcement while maintaining cooperation in criminal cases.
This distinction is central to the policy: civil immigration actions—such as deportation proceedings—are treated differently from criminal investigations, which can still involve coordination with federal agencies.
Access to services cited as driving factor
In the resolution, commissioners framed the policy as a way to ensure residents feel safe accessing local services. The document cites a “longstanding commitment” to public safety and community welfare, including for immigrant populations who may otherwise avoid public spaces or services due to fear of enforcement actions.
By restricting how borough property can be used, officials aim to prevent municipal spaces from becoming extensions of federal civil immigration operations.
Broader context and local impact
Policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement have appeared in municipalities across the country, often shaped by state-level directives or court rulings. In New Jersey, the Immigrant Trust Directive has guided local law enforcement practices since 2018, setting boundaries on when and how officers can assist federal immigration authorities.
Collingswood’s resolution extends that framework specifically to borough-controlled property and resources, formalizing restrictions that apply to employees, contractors, and all municipal entities.
Current status
The resolution took effect upon adoption on April 23, and no legal challenges or enforcement actions related to the policy have been announced. Borough officials have not indicated any immediate changes to police operations beyond continued compliance with state law.
