New Jersey expands immigration limits, fueling debate over ‘sanctuary state’ label

Governor Mikie Sherrill signs sweeping immigration laws restricting cooperation with federal authorities.

Trenton, New Jersey – Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed a package of immigration laws that significantly restrict how New Jersey state agencies and law enforcement interact with federal immigration authorities, intensifying debate over whether the state now effectively functions as a sanctuary jurisdiction. The legislation, anchored by the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, imposes statewide limits on cooperation with agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and reshapes enforcement practices across multiple levels of government.