TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey residents now have a direct line to the state’s top law enforcement office to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents. The Office of the Attorney General this week launched a new online reporting portal that allows the public to file complaints against federal personnel, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for alleged civil-rights violations during immigration enforcement activity.
The digital platform, part of an ongoing push by state officials to protect residents from unlawful enforcement actions, invites individuals to report instances such as excessive force, warrantless searches, racial profiling, wrongful detentions, and interference with voting. The portal, hosted on the Attorney General’s official website, can accept photo and video evidence and allows anonymous submissions, though officials note that anonymous tips may limit follow-up capability.
Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio blasted Gov. Mikie Sherrill for launching the state-run online portal.
DiMaio called the move reckless and dangerous.
“This is state-sponsored intimidation of federal law enforcement, plain and simple,” said DiMaio (R-Warren). “It’s reckless. And it’s dangerous.”
DiMaio warned that encouraging the public to document and report law enforcement activity invites harassment, misinformation and confrontation.
“When you empower activists to stalk officers doing their jobs, you are deliberately raising the temperature,” he said. “This isn’t about transparency. It’s about politics.”
He said the portal is part of a broader pattern of policies that weaken cooperation with federal authorities and embolden criminals.
“Federal immigration authorities have arrested individuals convicted of sexual assault, crimes against children and other violent offenses in our state,” DiMaio said. “Instead of supporting those efforts, the governor is siding with activists who want to shame and obstruct officers.”
State officials emphasized that while federal agents retain authority to enforce immigration law, they must act within constitutional bounds. The new reporting tool is designed to help the Attorney General’s Office identify potential abuses and, where appropriate, take legal or administrative action. Submitted information may also be shared with other state agencies or used as evidence in court proceedings.
Public accountability tool, not a legal service
The Attorney General’s Office made clear that submitting a report through the portal does not automatically trigger an investigation, create a complaint, or initiate a lawsuit on behalf of the filer. The office does not represent or provide legal advice to individuals using the form. Instead, the portal serves as an information-gathering mechanism to ensure that allegations of misconduct by federal immigration agents are documented and reviewed.
Residents are reminded that emergencies or active crimes should still be reported to local police or by calling 911. Those with legal questions are encouraged to consult an attorney or refer to the state’s “Know Your Rights” resources.
Expanded oversight amid federal-state tensions
The launch highlights New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s continued efforts to assert oversight over federal activity within its borders. In recent years, state leaders have enacted policies limiting local cooperation with ICE and emphasizing civil rights protections for immigrant communities. Officials described the new portal as a step toward transparency and accountability in federal-state relations.
- New Jersey’s Attorney General launched a public portal to report misconduct by federal immigration agents.
- Reports can include claims of excessive force, warrantless arrests, or civil rights violations.
- The tool does not provide legal representation but may inform future enforcement actions by the state.
The form asks users for basic information such as name, contact details, incident location, and the agency involved, as well as optional documentation like photos or videos. It also requires acknowledgment that the Office of the Attorney General may use or share submitted information for lawful purposes, including potential court proceedings.