essex commissioners pass resolution banning immigration enforcement from county properties

March 14, 2026 – Newark, NJ – At their meeting on Wednesday, May 13, the Essex County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed an “ICE Out of Essex County” resolution, prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) from entering or operating on non-public areas of Essex County properties without a judicial warrant or judicial order. The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Brendan W. Gill and sponsored by acclamation.

“With the passage of this ‘ICE Out of Essex County’ resolution, we are making clear that the safety and protection of our residents remains a top priority of this Board of Commissioners,” said Commissioner Gill. “At a time when fear and division are being fueled by reckless federal immigration policies, this legislation represents our commitment to standing up for our communities and defending the rule of law.

“As the proud husband of a Colombian immigrant wife and father of two mixed-race children, this issue is deeply personal to me,” continued Gill. “My family has seen firsthand the harm and social division caused by Donald Trump’s ICE directives, and I believe it is my responsibility as a public servant to protect your family just as I would my own.”

The resolution also prohibits Essex County from assisting, facilitating or cooperating with federal, state or local government entities on civil immigration enforcement using County property or resources, unless pursuant to a judicial warrant or judicial order. This includes all County employees, contractors and agents of County departments, agencies, authorities, boards, and commissions, including Essex County College. The policy applies to all non-public areas in any building, structure, land, parking lot, garage, vehicle, park, or other real or personal property owned, leased, operated, maintained, or controlled by the County of Essex.

Read the full text of the resolution here: https://ecode360.com/ES1525/document/753256905.pdf