A federal judge in New Jersey dismissed a lawsuit from the Justice Department targeting four “sanctuary” cities in the state. The ruling determined the lawsuit was legally insufficient in its current form.
Judge Evelyn Padin found the case flawed because the federal complaint failed to challenge a key state directive. That directive, issued by New Jersey officials, limits how local police cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The lawsuit specifically named the cities of Newark, Trenton, Camden, and Jersey City. The Justice Department argued these cities violated federal law by refusing to share information with immigration agents.
Judge Padin ruled the department should have named the state as a party in the suit. Without addressing the state-level directive, the case could not move forward.
The decision marks a significant setback for federal immigration enforcement efforts in New Jersey. It also reinforces the legal protections many local governments have adopted in sanctuary policies.
New Jersey’s directive, called the Immigrant Trust Directive, was enacted in 2018. It prohibits state and local law enforcement from detaining individuals solely for civil immigration violations.
The motion to dismiss was filed by the cities’ attorneys, arguing the federal suit was premature. They contended the state directive remained unchallenged and was the primary source of the conflict.
Judge Padin agreed with that reasoning, stating the federal government could still pursue a revised case. The Justice Department has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the ruling or file an amended complaint.
