Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Targeting New Jersey Sanctuary Cities

A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that alleged four New Jersey cities maintain “sanctuary” policies protecting undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement.

The Justice Department had sued the mayors and city council members of Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Paterson last month amid escalating tensions between state and local officials.

The complaint claimed local officials obstructed federal immigration enforcement by limiting access to immigrants in local custody, restricting officers from turning over undocumented residents to federal agents, and preventing “willing local officers” from sharing critical information with immigration authorities.

Judge Evelyn Padin, a Biden appointee, found the suit fundamentally flawed because it challenged only the cities’ policies without considering the state attorney general’s 2008 immigrant‑trust directive, which governs how local police interact with immigration officials.

The directive, upheld in prior court decisions, was not raised in the lawsuit, and Judge Padin concluded the federal government therefore lacked standing to proceed.

She dismissed the case without prejudice, allowing the Justice Department the option to refile. A department spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The ruling coincided with frequent protests at Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark.

Local officials praised the decision, noting the immigrant‑trust directive helps preserve cooperative relationships between police and immigrant communities, which is essential for public safety.

Amol Sinha, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey, said sanctuary policies enable people to access public services without fear of detention, family separation, or deportation.

“Public safety is strengthened when people can report crimes, and public health improves when they can seek medical care,” she added.

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