March 26, 2026 (New York time) — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three new laws into effect today aimed at restricting cooperation between the state and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), further escalating tensions with the federal government.
The new laws include:
- Restricting the sharing of residents' immigration status with federal agencies
- Reducing the level of coordination between local law enforcement and ICE
- Prohibiting federal agents from wearing masks while performing duties within the state
Governor Sherrill argued that these measures would help build trust between the community and law enforcement while ensuring public safety.
However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has voiced fierce opposition. DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis declared that these laws violate the U.S. Constitution, particularly during a time when the political standoff over immigration enforcement budgets remains intense.
“We will not comply with this unconstitutional ban,” Bis stated, emphasizing that state-level politicians do not have the authority to control federal law enforcement agents.
The Trump administration defended the use of masks by ICE agents, claiming the measure is necessary to protect their identities amid an increase in attacks targeting immigration officials, despite previous controversies when ICE agents were seen using violence against handcuffed individuals, causing public outcry.
Previously, the state of California introduced similar regulations, but they were blocked by a federal court on the grounds that federal law takes precedence over state law, similar to when a federal judge rejected the agency's arrest warrants in specific cases.
New Jersey's move signals that the confrontation between states and the federal government over immigration policy continues to escalate, contrasting with the trend in Georgia, where nearly 50 law enforcement agencies signed 287(g) agreements with ICE to tighten immigration controls.
