Trump administration sues New Jersey over restrictions on immigration arrests - Associated Press News
AP News
February 24, 2026
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The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against New Jersey, challenging the state's restrictions on immigration arrests. This legal battle centers on New Jersey's policies limiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents' ability to make arrests within certain locations, such as schools, hospitals, and during criminal investigations unrelated to immigration violations. The federal government argues that these restrictions hinder their enforcement authority and undermine national security.
New Jersey passed its restrictions in 2019, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants from being targeted during sensitive activities or non-immigration-related interactions with law enforcement. The Trump administration contends that such state laws overstep local control and impede the federal government's ability to enforce immigration laws effectively. The lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice, seeks to invalidate these restrictions, asserting that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
This legal conflict highlights broader tensions between states and the federal government regarding immigration policy. It raises significant questions about the balance of power and the extent to which states can regulate ICE activities within their borders. The outcome could set a precedent for other states and influence future immigration enforcement practices nationwide, making it a pivotal case in both legal and political circles.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/24/2026