Third Circuit Blocks New Jersey ICE Detention Ban

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals struck down New Jersey's 2021 law that banned private prisons from contracting with ICE to detain immigrants, ruling that the state cannot interfere with federal immigration enforcement. The court emphasized that immigration detention is a core federal function and that states cannot regulate private parties in a way that undermines federal powers. This ruling allows CoreCivic to continue operating the Elizabeth Detention Center and has implications for other states with similar bans. The decision represents a significant victory for President Donald Trump's administration, which is expanding detention capacity and deportations as part of its immigration crackdown. New Jersey officials, including Attorney General Matthew Platkin, expressed disappointment, citing concerns over conditions in private detention facilities. The Biden administration also sided with private prison companies during the litigation, supporting ICE’s need for detention centers near airports to expedite operations.