A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department against four New Jersey cities accused of implementing sanctuary policies to shield undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit targeted the mayors and City Council members of Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, and Paterson amid increasing tensions between local governments and immigration authorities.
The Justice Department alleged that local officials obstructed federal immigration enforcement by limiting access to immigrants in local custody and restricting local officers from transferring undocumented residents to federal agents. The department also claimed that local officers were barred from providing crucial information to immigration authorities.
Judge Evelyn Padin, appointed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., ruled that the lawsuit had a critical flaw. It did not address an order from the state attorney general’s office, known as the immigrant trust directive, which dictates how local law enforcement should interact with immigration authorities. This directive, established in 2008 and upheld by previous courts, was not included in the lawsuit, affecting the federal government’s standing to sue.
The judge’s dismissal of the lawsuit was without prejudice, allowing the Justice Department the option to refile. A spokesman for the department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The ruling was welcomed by local officials as protesters frequently gathered at Delaney Hall, an immigration facility in Newark. Officials lauded the immigrant trust directive as crucial in fostering trust between local police and undocumented immigrant communities, which is vital for reporting crimes and maintaining public safety.
Amol Sinha, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, stated that sanctuary policies enable people to access public services without fear of deportation. He emphasized that public safety benefits when individuals can report crimes, and public health improves when they can seek medical care.
Ishani Desai is a reporter focusing on breaking news and other topics and is part of the 2026-27 Times Fellowship, a program for early-career journalists.