State files court action to block proposed ICE detention facility in Morris County
The state has filed a preliminary injunction aimed at preventing the Department of Homeland Security from converting a 470,000‑square‑foot warehouse in Roxbury into a facility to house detainees.
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A legal fight is unfolding over plans to convert a large warehouse into an ICE detention facility in Morris County, with state leaders stepping up efforts to stop the project.
The state has filed a preliminary injunction aimed at preventing the Department of Homeland Security from converting a 470,000‑square‑foot warehouse in Roxbury into a facility to house detainees.
Construction is currently planned to begin in May, putting the project roughly a month away, officials said.
New Jersey leaders are asking a judge to block the conversion before work begins.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the property is not properly zoned to operate as a jail.
They also said DHS and ICE failed to follow federal laws requiring consultation with state and local officials to assess the project’s impacts.
The state has submitted an emergency request seeking to prevent DHS from moving forward with the conversion of the vacant warehouse.
Congressman Tom Kean has asked the new head of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to work with the community on the project.
Some residents in Roxbury have criticized Kean, saying he has not done enough to stop the detention center.
In a statement, Kean said his priority is ensuring any decision follows a balanced approach that considers community interests alongside law enforcement needs.
Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo said he remains confident the site is not appropriate for a facility of this nature due to the impact it would have on residents.
