DOJ sues New Jersey over Sherrill order meant to rein in ICE

The Hill

by Ashleigh Fields

February 24, 2026

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DOJ sues New Jersey over Sherrill order meant to rein in ICE

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the state government over an executive order banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from accessing state property without a judicial warrant. The DOJ argues that this order, signed by Governor Murphy in 2023, intentionally obstructs federal law enforcement efforts and undermines federal immigration laws. The lawsuit comes as part of ongoing legal battles between states and the federal government over immigration policies. The executive order, which took effect earlier this year, aims to restrict ICE operations within New Jersey unless they obtain a court-ordered warrant or meet specific criteria. This move has been seen as an effort to limit ICE's ability to enforce federal immigration laws within the state. The DOJ contends that such restrictions not only hinder federal law enforcement but also infringe on the department’s constitutional authority to carry out its duties. This legal conflict highlights broader tensions between states and the federal government regarding immigration policy. Governors like Murphy have increasingly taken steps to create more welcoming environments for immigrants, often by restricting ICE access without warrants. The DOJ, however, maintains that such actions obstruct federal law enforcement and threaten national security. The case is part of a larger trend where states challenge federal authority over immigration enforcement. Similar legal battles are ongoing across the country as states push back against federal immigration policies they view as overreaching or harmful to their communities. This lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how states interact with ICE and other federal agencies in the future. For readers interested in politics, this case underscores the

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Originally published on The Hill on 2/24/2026