Governor Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Mar. 20 that New Jersey and the Township of Roxbury have filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stop plans for converting a vacant warehouse into an immigration detention center.
The lawsuit argues that the proposed facility would strain local infrastructure, threaten public safety, and harm the environment. State officials say ICE did not consult with state or township authorities before moving forward with the project, raising concerns about water supply, sewage capacity, traffic safety, and economic impact.
“The safety and well-being of New Jerseyans will always be my top priority, and the Trump Administration’s plans for a detention facility in Roxbury will not make our residents safer. Instead, this facility will overburden local services and infrastructure,” said Governor Sherrill. “These types of facilities also have a long track record of abuse, mistreatment, and unsafe conditions. This is not a partisan issue – Republican leaders in the community are similarly against this facility. That is why we are joining with Roxbury to stop this facility to protect the community and our Constitution.”
Attorney General Davenport said, “Today, we join efforts to enforce the law and protect the rights of all New Jerseyans. Federal laws require—and our State and towns deserve—that DHS and ICE consult with the State and the Township on major projects in their backyard. Instead, DHS and ICE are ramming through a secretive purchase and rushed renovation. We will not allow these ill-considered plans to happen.”
The complaint states that converting the warehouse at 1879 Route 46 could house up to 1,500 detainees along with 1,000 staff members but lacks adequate water or sewage access for such numbers. The site is near Lake Musconetcong—just 1,000 feet away—and Lake Hopatcong; both could be affected by potential sewage overflows if existing systems are overwhelmed. The Highlands region supplies drinking water for most of New Jersey; increased demand from a new detention center could reduce water pressure for residents or impair emergency response capabilities.
Local officials also raised concerns about increased traffic near an already dangerous highway interchange as well as lost economic opportunities due to diverted resources. Mayor Shawn Potillo said: “The Council and I commend the Governor and the Attorney General for their swift and decisive action to help prevent the placement of an ICE detention center within our suburban community… This partnership is also important for Roxbury residents, as the Office of Attorney General can provide significant legal resources that protects Roxbury’s local property taxpayers from shouldering most of this cost alone.”
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards statewide. The office extends its authority throughout all counties in New Jersey according to its official website. It influences public safety through law enforcement oversight as reported by its official website.
The Attorney General’s office holds statutory authority to enforce laws across New Jersey according to its official website, offering services such as legal representation for state agencies, crime lab support, victim advocacy programs, consumer protection initiatives as stated on its official website, while functioning as an agency focused on justice throughout New Jersey according to its official website.
State officials argue that ICE’s decision violates several federal laws because it failed to consider environmental impacts or consult with local stakeholders before proceeding.