ICE Pauses 470,000-Square-Foot NJ Detention Center After Legal Dispute

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement paused work on a planned 470,000-square-foot detention center in Roxbury, New Jersey, following a legal challenge from state and local officials. The delay comes after the state sought a federal injunction to block the project, leading to a joint stipulation between the federal agency, the state of New Jersey, and Roxbury Township.

The agreement mandates an environmental review of the warehouse site under the National Environmental Policy Act before major construction can advance. Governor Mikie Sherrill, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, and Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo have strongly opposed the facility, arguing it would harm the community. They contend the site lacks sufficient water, sewage, and power infrastructure to support the massive complex.

Although the broader project is stalled, ICE is permitted to continue limited work on the property. The agency can install security fencing, cameras, lighting, and alarm systems. The legal dispute highlights the ongoing friction between federal immigration enforcement priorities and local concerns over resource capacities and environmental impacts.