Filed Date: Feb. 23, 2026
Case Ongoing
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Amidst the increased immigration enforcement actions, the State of New Jersey, at the direction of Governor Mikie Sherill barred federal immigration officers from “entering, accessing, or using nonpublic areas” of state-owned property to enforce civil immigration law, and prohibiting federal immigration officers from using state-owned property as a “staging area, processing location, or operations base” to enforce civil immigration law. New Jersey executive branch departments and agencies were instructed not to permit to 'or consent to federal immigration officers entering, accessing, or using nonpublic areas of State property for the purpose of facilitating federal enforcement of civil immigration law.”
In response, the United States government brought this suit in the District of New Jersey, alleging that the New Jersey order obstructs immigration enforcement in violation of the Supremacy Clause. They further alleged the order constitutes unlawful discrimination against and regulation of the federal government in violation of the doctrine of Intergovernmental Immunity. The government requested a declaration that the New Jersey order is invalid and a permanent injunction prohibiting New Jersey from enforcing the order. The case has been assigned to Judge Georgette Castner.
This case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Jinan Abufarha (3/1/2026)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72316303/parties/united-states-v-new-jersey/
LINDEFIELD, ROBERT OLAF (New Jersey)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72316303/united-states-v-new-jersey/
Last updated March 4, 2026, 12:12 p.m.
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations By the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: Feb. 23, 2026
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The plaintiff in this case is the Department of Justice.
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
State
The State of New Jersey
Case Details
Constitutional Clause(s):
Other Dockets:
District of New Jersey 3:26-cv-01770
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Sought:
Relief Granted:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General/Misc.: