2-19-2026 3:20pm

Sherrill's Executive Order Limits ICE Operations, Launches ICE Reporting Portal

Chris Connors Editor

Sherrill Bars ICE From Using Nonpublic Areas Of State Property Without a Warrant, Launches Portal for Residents to Submit Video Footage of ICE Interactions.

Executive Order No. 12 took effect Feb. 11 and directs state agencies to deny access for civil immigration operations unless officers present a judicial warrant or court order; the administration also rolled out a “Know Your Rights” hub and a new online submission form for photos and videos.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday, Feb. 11, signed Executive Order No. 12, directing New Jersey Executive Branch departments and agencies not to allow federal immigration officers to enter, access, or use nonpublic areas of state property—or use state property as a staging or operations base—unless authorized by a judicial warrant or judicial order, according to the order.

Announcing the action alongside Acting Attorney General Davenport and Acting Human Services Commissioner Dr. Stephen Cha, the administration also unveiled (1) a state “Know Your Rights” website and (2) a state Attorney General portal for residents to submit photos and videos of interactions with federal immigration enforcement in New Jersey.

The order defines “state property” broadly to include facilities and parcels owned, operated, leased, or controlled by Executive Branch departments and agencies, including office buildings and parking areas. It also defines “federal immigration officers” to include agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, as well as other federal agencies tasked with civil immigration enforcement or working in concert with them.

What Executive Order No. 12 does

Under the executive order, Executive Branch departments and agencies are directed not to permit or consent to federal immigration officers using nonpublic areas of state property to facilitate civil immigration enforcement, unless authorized by a judicial warrant or court order or covered by limited exceptions in the order.

The order also directs agencies not to allow state property to be used as a staging area, processing location, or operations base for civil immigration enforcement, absent the same judicial authorization or exceptions.

It further instructs agencies to take steps to implement the directive and ensure staff are trained to interact with federal immigration officers consistent with the order.

The order states it does not restrict state agencies from enforcing state criminal laws; complying with applicable laws, leases, and valid judicial warrants or orders; participating in task forces permitted under New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive when the primary purpose is unrelated to civil immigration enforcement; or allowing access to areas open to the general public on the same terms as the public.

Reporting portal and “Know Your Rights” hub

As part of the announcement, the Office of the Attorney General launched an online portal for residents to submit information, including photos and videos, documenting interactions with federal immigration officers in New Jersey. The state said examples of reportable concerns include allegations of excessive force, warrantless searches or arrests, racial profiling, wrongful detentions, interference with voting, or other civil-rights violations.

Davenport said the portal is intended to help the state review potential misconduct and “hold the federal government accountable when they violate the law,” according to the administration’s release.

Separately, the administration launched a statewide “Know Your Rights” information hub with guidance and resources for residents when interacting with federal agents. State officials said the materials are available in multiple languages.

What officials said

In the state’s announcement, Sherrill said the executive order would prohibit ICE from using state property “to launch operations,” and said the administration would provide tools for residents to report activity and access information about constitutional rights.

This executive order will prohibit ICE from using state property to launch operations. To strengthen public safety, we will also give New Jersey residents the tools to report ICE activity to the Attorney General’s office and ensure residents know their Constitutional rights. Today, we are making clear that the Trump administration’s lawless actions will not go unchecked in New Jersey. Given ICE’s willingness to flout the Constitution and violently endanger communities – detaining children, arresting citizens, and even killing several innocent civilians – I will stand up for New Jerseyans right to be safe,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.

Davenport said federal agents conducting immigration enforcement in New Jersey must follow the Constitution and federal and state laws, and encouraged the public to share photos and videos through the new portal.

“It is essential that federal agents who conduct immigration enforcement operations in New Jersey follow the Constitution, as well as federal and state laws. When federal immigration officers violate the law and sow fear in our communities, they undermine public trust in law enforcement and make it harder for us to keep the public safe. We encourage the public to share photos and videos through our new online portal. We will ensure the safety of our communities and hold the federal government accountable when they violate the law,” said Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.

Cha said the administration’s information hub is intended to provide residents with accurate guidance and legal services information, with materials made available in 22 languages, according to the release.

“At a time when the Trump administration continues to undermine Constitutional protections and spread fear in immigrant communities, the Sherrill Administration is committed to standing on the side of facts, fairness, and human dignity. The Office of New Americans’ Know Your Rights and legal services information help ensure that residents have accurate, helpful guidance and legal representation for their day in court, no matter where they were born and what language they speak. The Know Your Rights information is available in 22 languages and are downloadable to print out or post online. In New Jersey, we will not allow misinformation or intimidation to deny people the rights and resources they are entitled to under the law,” said Human Services Acting Commissioner Stephen Cha