By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey officials and the Township of Roxbury have filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in an effort to stop plans to convert a vacant warehouse into a large immigration detention center.
The legal action, filed in U.S. District Court, seeks to halt the project, arguing federal agencies failed to properly consult state and local officials and did not adequately address environmental, infrastructure, and public safety concerns.
According to the complaint released by NJ Attorney General Davenport, the site, located at 1879 Route 46, lacks the necessary infrastructure to support a facility that could house up to 1,500 detainees and employ approximately 1,000 staff members.
Officials say the property has limited water and sewage capacity, raising concerns about potential system overloads, wastewater overflow, and environmental damage to nearby waterways, including Lake Musconetcong and Lake Hopatcong.
The lawsuit also highlights risks to the region’s drinking water supply, noting the area is part of the Highlands, which provides water to a significant portion of New Jersey.
Increased demand, officials argue, could strain the system, impact fire safety, and reduce water reliability for residents.
In addition, local leaders warn the facility could worsen traffic congestion near the Route 46 and Interstate 80 interchange, an area already known for serious accidents, while placing added pressure on emergency services.
State and township officials say they were not informed of the project until after the property had already been purchased, learning of the plans through media reports.
They allege the federal government moved forward without proper transparency or coordination.
Beyond infrastructure and safety concerns, the lawsuit claims the project could negatively impact Roxbury’s economy, including the potential loss of development opportunities and an estimated $1.8 million in annual tax revenue.
The case seeks to block further development of the detention facility while the court reviews the legality of the federal government’s actions.