Order aims to keep ICE off county property
Goals include residents' safety, maintaining trust
By: David M Zimmer
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Residents of Passaic County can now enter parks, public programs and government offices without worrying that federal immigration agents might follow them inside.
.....
In mid-February, [2026] county officials issued Administrative Order Number 26-01, restructuring federal enforcement on county property except when required by a court order. The order mirrors state-level actions from Governor Mikie Sherrill that limits federal enforcement on state propertys and aims to ensure that residents have access to county services without fear of federal immigration action.
..... "County buildings exist to serve the public," said Sandi Lazzara, the director of the county's Board of Commissioners. "People should feel safe walking into a county office, attending an event or brining their family to a county park. This order helps keep our spaces focused on service, safety and respect for everyone."
..... In a public statement, deputy director Orlando Cruz said the order was designed to maintain trust between the county government and a diverse population that may be wary of accessing services out of concern hat federal immigration agents could be present.
..... "Passaic County is one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey, and that diversity is a strength," Cruz said. "Policies like this preserve trust between residents and local government, which is essential for effective services and community well-being."
..... The 2026 order reinforces the county's 2017 Fair and Welcoming county policy, which barred county employees from asking residents about their citizenship or immigration status unless required by law or a court order. the 2017 policy also prohibited employees from threatening to report individuals or their families to federal authorities and restricted law enforcement from acting based solely on immigration status or other protected characteristics.
..... That policy was adopted after federal actions under the Trump administration, including the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arri vials program, or DACA,. Created under President Barack Obama, DACA protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, known as "Dreamers," from deportation and allowed them to work legally in the U.S.
.....
County officials said the repeal cerated fear among undocumented residents, leading may to avoid schools and county programs and the reporting of crimes.
.....
Similar concerns have appeared nationwide in 2026 - as federal immigration officials have increasing vised public spaces to question, detain and arrest individuals.
.....
Still, federal officials have long maintained that local governments cannot block federal immigration enforcement, under the Suporemancy Clause of the U.S. constitution, federal law takes residence over state and local policies. So although Passaic County's order restricts cooperation by county employees, it does not prevent federal agents from entering public spaces or enforcing federal law.
..... County Sheriff Thomas Adamo said public safety remains a priority. he emphasized hat deputies can still investigate, arrest or take other actions when criminal activity is suspected.
.....
"Nothing in this order limits our ability to enforce New Jersey's criminal laws or comply with court orders," Adamo said. "It ensures county residents are used appropriately and that people aren't deterred from seeking help or services."
..... commissioners stressed in a joint statement that the new policy strengthens public trust, which they said is central to both safety and effective government. The order also directs the county counsel to train employees on interaction with federal immigration officers and to provide information sessions for residents on their rights, thorough dates and times for those sessions have not yet been announced.