The Justice Department filed suit Monday against New Jersey and Gov. Mikie Sherrill, challenging a new executive order that restricts federal immigration enforcement inside certain state-controlled facilities.
The complaint targets Executive Order No. 12, which bars U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from conducting secure arrests of criminal illegal aliens in nonpublic areas of state property, including correctional facilities. Federal officials argue the policy obstructs immigration enforcement and interferes with efforts to detain and remove individuals in custody.
The lawsuit contends the order results in the release of individuals otherwise eligible for removal, including illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking offenses.
