the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Jersey City NJ, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a high-profile lawsuit against four major New Jersey cities—Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken—alleging that local policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts.
In a sweeping federal complaint, the DOJ named the cities, their city councils, council presidents, and mayors in their official capacities. The lawsuit, filed on May 24, 2025, claims that the cities have enacted policies that violate the Supremacy Clause by interfering with the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws.
What Is the DOJ Alleging?
The DOJ alleges that policies adopted by these cities:
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Prevent local officers from cooperating with federal immigration agents.
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Deny agents access to undocumented individuals in local custody.
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Prohibit officers from sharing key information with federal authorities.
“Where inaction crosses into obstruction, local governments break federal law,” the lawsuit states. “That is what is happening across New Jersey right now. It is past time it ends.”
Each city adopted so-called sanctuary policies during the Trump administration that aim to limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
City-by-City Breakdown of Policies
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Newark (2017) – Mayor Ras Baraka signed an executive order prohibiting city resources from being used in civil immigration enforcement unless mandated by law.
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Jersey City (2017) – Mayor Steve Fulop issued a similar order, directing city agencies not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement without legal requirement.
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Paterson (2019) – Then-Police Chief Troy Oswald issued a directive stating officers were not to inquire about immigration status unless investigating an indictable offense.
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Hoboken (2018) – Mayor Ravi Bhalla ordered city departments not to enter into any agreement granting federal immigration authority to local law enforcement.
How New Jersey Mayors Are Responding
Steve Fulop (Jersey City)
Running for governor, Fulop called the lawsuit “politically motivated” and reaffirmed his city’s commitment to immigrant communities.
“Our policies protect families, reflect our values, and have led to record low crime rates,” Fulop said. “We’ll fight this—and win.”
Ras Baraka (Newark)
Also running for governor, Baraka labeled the DOJ lawsuit “absurd.”
“We are upholding the Constitution and following New Jersey state law. What we refuse to do is turn our city into an arm of federal immigration enforcement.”
Political Context: Trump-Era Tensions Resurface
This lawsuit marks another flashpoint in the ongoing battle between federal immigration authorities and sanctuary cities, particularly in New Jersey.
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Newark Mayor Baraka was arrested on May 9 by ICE agents during an oversight visit to Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center. Charges were dropped, but Rep. LaMonica McIver now faces charges related to the incident.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has also suggested investigations into Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin for non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
“If anyone in New Jersey gets in the way, they will be charged,” Habba said during a recent cable news appearance.
What’s Next?
As the lawsuit plays out, it’s expected to fuel debate over the balance of power between local governments and federal immigration authorities, particularly in states with large immigrant populations and sanctuary policies.
This legal battle could shape the future of immigration enforcement in New Jersey—and may become a major issue in the 2025 gubernatorial race.
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