WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice announced it filed suit against the State of New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill, and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport on Wednesday, challenging what it calls an unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act.”
According to the DOJ, the New Jersey law unlawfully interferes with federal authority while placing federal officers and their families at risk. The complaint argues the measure could expose officers to harassment, doxing, and violence by restricting their ability to protect their identities during sensitive operations.
“The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like New Jersey’s,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
Federal officials say the law, signed by Governor Sherrill back in March alongside a separate measure codifying Sanctuary Statehood, also threatens to chill enforcement efforts by subjecting officers to possible prosecution for actions taken to safeguard themselves and their families while carrying out official duties.
The lawsuit follows directives from Acting Attorney General Blanche ordering the Civil Division to review state and local laws that impede lawful federal operations or facilitate violations of federal law.
Today’s filing is the latest in a broader DOJ effort to challenge state-level policies viewed by the administration as obstructing immigration enforcement and other federal law enforcement priorities. Recent legal actions have also targeted policies in New York and California.
The case sets up another major clash between the federal government and blue-state leaders over the limits of state power when it comes to federal enforcement operations. For New Jersey taxpayers, it could mean yet another costly legal battle stemming from progressive policymaking in Trenton.
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