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A law in New Jersey preventing the federal government from contracting with private firms to run immigration detention centers has been struck down by a U.S. appeals court.
This 2-1 ruling is seen as a win for President Donald Trump and his administration in their efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.
The Trump administration has been working to expand a network of detention centers to facilitate the deportation of dangerous illegal immigrants.
The court’s decision means that CoreCivic Corp., a private prison company, can continue to operate the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility, which is involved in deportations.
In the ruling, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, appointed by Trump, stated, “Just as states cannot regulate the federal government itself, they cannot regulate private parties in a way that severely undercuts a federal function.”
Bibas emphasized that the law “interferes with the federal government’s core power to enforce immigration laws.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a law in 2021 that prevented CoreCivic from renewing its agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to continue operating the Elizabeth Detention Center.
CoreCivic sued the state, leading to a district court judge ruling in favor of the private company. The state appealed the decision to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court and received an unfavorable ruling.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin expressed disappointment with the decision and stated that he is considering the next steps in the case.
CoreCivic’s Ryan Gustin mentioned that the company has been involved in the U.S. immigration center at the Elizabeth facility for over 25 years and appreciated the court’s decision.
Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was indicted for allegedly obstructing Homeland Security agents during an incident outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark.
McIver and two other members of Congress clashed with federal agents during a congressional oversight visit that coincided with an immigration protest.
McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and The Associated Press.
