Full Breakdown
NJ Transit Implements Protections Against ICE Access Following Governor Sherrill's Executive Order
2/13/2026, 4:45:55 AM
Executive Order and Immediate Response
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has issued an executive order prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from accessing NJ Transit’s non-public property without a judicial warrant. This decision follows significant public concern after ICE arrests occurred on February 2 at the 9th and Congress Street light rail station, which borders Hoboken and Jersey City. Witnesses reported seeing individuals apprehended both on the train and at the station, prompting riders to advocate for protective policies during a recent NJ Transit board meeting.
Community Advocacy for Safety
At the board meeting, ten riders expressed their fears regarding ICE's presence on public transportation, emphasizing that transit should be a safe space free from intimidation. Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour confirmed that multiple witnesses had documented the arrests, some capturing video evidence. Ron Bautista, a local resident, articulated the need for a formal policy similar to that of Greyhound, which prohibits ICE agents from entering non-public areas without a warrant. He stated, “Public transit should not be a place of intimidation; it should be a place of safety.”
NJ Transit’s Commitment to Compliance
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri assured attendees that the agency would comply with Sherrill's executive order. However, specific protocols regarding how the agency will implement these changes remain unclear. Riders and board members urged NJ Transit to adopt a policy akin to Greyhound’s, which includes training employees on how to handle encounters with individuals claiming to be ICE agents. Vice Chairperson Kiabi Carson emphasized the agency's responsibility to protect its riders.
Broader Implications and Community Concerns
The executive order not only restricts ICE's access but also prevents agents from using state property as staging areas for enforcement operations. Angelisha Chanhani, a speaker at the meeting, highlighted concerns about racial profiling, stating, “If you have melanin in your skin, you are fair game.” This sentiment reflects a broader national discourse on the intersection of immigration enforcement and civil liberties, particularly in public spaces.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Sherrill's executive order aims to create a safer environment for transit users and has prompted NJ Transit to consider its operational norms. The agency is expected to finalize and implement detailed protocols regarding ICE operations, which may include staff training on compliance with the new standards.
What's Next
As NJ Transit prepares to implement these changes, community engagement initiatives are anticipated to reassure riders and gather feedback on safety measures. The focus on NJ Transit’s policies may also inspire similar protective measures in other transit systems across the country, influencing legislative discussions on immigration enforcement and public safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Public transit should not be a place of intimidation; it should be a place of safety.” — Ron Bautista, NJ Transit Rider
- “You have the authority to set standards for entry.” — Angelisha Chanhani, Community Advocate
- “As an agency and staff we should do everything to protect our riders and I ask the agency look into it,” — Kiabi Carson, NJ Transit Vice Chairperson
- “I’ll be the tunnel obsessed governor. I won’t rest until you guys are back at work,” — Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
This evolving situation underscores the critical role of public transportation in discussions about civil rights and community safety, as NJ Transit navigates the complexities of federal immigration enforcement within its operations.
