*For photos, click here*
*For video of the press announcement, click here*
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – At a press announcement today, February 18, 2026, Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Deputy Director Shanti Narra, and Sheriff Mildred S. Scott announced a resolution that would prohibit the use of County-owned or County-controlled property for civil immigration enforcement and operational activities conducted by federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This action aligns Middlesex County with the policy direction established by Governor Mikie Sherrill and the State of New Jersey under Executive Order No. 12, which restricts the use of state property for civil immigration enforcement actions without a judicial warrant. It also reaffirms the County’s compliance with the State’s Immigrant Trust Directive Implementation and its ongoing commitment to ensuring constitutional protections for all residents.
The policy will apply to all County departments, agencies, authorities, boards, and commissions, covering County-owned, leased, or operated facilities, including, but not limited to, the Middlesex County Courts, Corrections facilities, and County educational institutions such as the Middlesex County Magnet Schools and Middlesex College.
The press announcement brought together County leaders, partners, and law enforcement. Speakers included Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Deputy Director Shanti Narra, and Sheriff Mildred S. Scott, who emphasized that public safety and constitutional compliance are the guiding principles behind the forthcoming resolution.
“Our residents deserve to feel safe and secure when accessing County services,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “This resolution is about accountability — holding ourselves and others to the highest legal standards. Middlesex County will not permit actions on County property that undermine trust or compromise constitutional rights.”
“Public safety and quality of life remain our top priorities, regardless of immigration status,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra, Chair of the County’s Public Safety and Health Committee. “Across the country, civil immigration enforcement has gone beyond border operations and created fear in communities. No resident should be in fear of interacting with County government based on who they are or where they come from. Middlesex County stands firmly against practices that destroy trust and safety.”
“Immigration law can be complex, but immigration enforcement activity that is not consistent with our Constitution is unlawful, plain and simple,” said Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott. “As Sheriff, my duty is to uphold the law and protect the public. Middlesex County will not permit unlawful or unauthorized enforcement practices on County properties.”
The resolution will be introduced at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 5, 2026. The resolution will reaffirm the County’s position regarding following the Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive and prohibit ICE from conducting civil enforcement actions on County property. Additionally, training and resources will be provided to ensure County employees, contractors, and agents do not voluntarily assist or cooperate with such enforcement actions unless required by law. The County will also make Know-Your-Rights Training available to residents and employees in partnership with local nonprofit and community groups.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
To help the State hold ICE accountable for its actions, including potential violations of the law, residents are encouraged to upload their interactions with ICE in New Jersey at njoag.gov/portal.
Every person who lives in or visits New Jersey has rights regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Learn more at nj.gov/knowyourrights.
More information about this new policy will be available after March 5, 2026, on middlesexcountynj.gov.
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