New Jersey Governor Blocks ICE From State Facilities, Launches Public Portal to Track Immigration Activity

On Wednesday, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced an executive order restricting ICE access to state properties and a public portal where residents can upload photos and videos of immigration operations to increase oversight of federal immigration enforcement.

Sherrill and Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the measures promote transparency and protect residents’ rights amid heightened federal enforcement activity in New Jersey at their first Statehouse news conference in Trenton.

The executive order prohibits ICE agents from entering non-public portions of state-owned property without a judicial warrant. Federal immigration enforcement agents cannot use state facilities as staging sites, according the injunction. State officials underlined that the limitation only affects non-public spaces, not public areas.

The administration also launched a statewide internet gateway for ICE activity images, videos, and information. The governor’s office said the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office will analyze all submissions. The platform records enforcement actions and assesses state law infractions, officials added.

Acting Attorney General Davenport stressed that all portal reports will be reviewed. She said the state will intervene if evidence demonstrates New Jersey law infractions, but the office cannot guarantee a specific conclusion. Davenport also indicated that state laws apply to federal agents.

Governor characterized initiative as part of transparency endeavor. She cited several national videos that raise worries regarding immigration operations. Sherrill said footage of agents in unmarked vehicles and without ID has raised neighborhood concerns.

Sherrill promoted a public reporting system on television earlier this year, encouraging residents to safely record enforcement action. On Wednesday, she insisted that people record from a safe distance and never risk their lives.

The announcement coincides with increased ICE activity in New Jersey, including high-profile raids in Hoboken and Jersey City. Public attention has pushed advocacy groups to increase “know your rights” education across the state.

In addition to the video submission portal, the administration developed a “know your rights” website to remind residents on their legal rights when dealing with immigration authorities. State officials said the site provides clear legal instruction.

Reaction to the governor’s actions is split.

Advocates for immigrant rights applauded the measures as a step towards accountability. The New Jersey ACLU officially supported the presidential order, stating the state must preserve constitutional rights and prevent federal enforcement from undermining community trust.

Republicans in the state Legislature opposed the initiative. State Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco claimed that urging locals to record federal officials could increase emotions and disrupt law enforcement. He suggested New Jersey should reduce friction and improve community-government cooperation.

Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio criticized federal immigration authorities for arresting New Jersey residents convicted of severe offenses. He questioned whether the additional measures would impair federal public safety efforts.

Governor Sherrill said the state wants transparency and accountability, not to block police enforcement. Residents should avoid risky circumstances and not interfere with operations, she advised. The governor says the administration prioritizes civil rights and public safety.

The governor’s announcement had not been addressed by ICE as of Wednesday.

The policy change puts New Jersey among a growing number of states with public reporting systems for federal immigration operations. Such measures increase oversight and openness, say supporters. They risk political conflicts over immigration enforcement, say critics.

State officials say they will monitor enforcement and public contributions after the presidential order and site go live. Immigration enforcement remains a major concern in New Jersey and nationwide, so the fight over federal-state oversight will continue.