New Jersey state officials filed a 49-page preliminary injunction to block the Department of Homeland Security's plan to convert a 470,000-square-foot Roxbury warehouse in Morris County into an ICE detention facility, with construction expected to start in late May.

The state argues the site is not properly zoned for use as a jail and contends federal consultation requirements with state and local authorities were not followed.

Governor Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport lead the legal effort, underscoring the high-priority challenge to block the project on zoning and federal consultation grounds.

Officials say DHS/ICE failed to follow federal rules requiring consultation with state and local officials regarding impacts of the detention project.

Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo remains concerned that the site is inappropriate for detention due to potential impacts on residents, while expressing confidence in the concerns.

Residents in Roxbury criticize congressional actions and emphasize a need for a balanced approach between community interests and law enforcement needs.

Local officials report minimal communication from DHS and have called for greater collaboration, with Rep. Tom Kean Jr. urging DHS to engage with local authorities.

The proposed facility could hold up to 1,500 detainees, raising bipartisan concerns about impacts on drinking water, public safety, and local finances.

Roxbury and state officials argue the site lacks adequate local infrastructure—such as bathrooms, water, and sewage capacity—and could strain the environment and community.

An emergency request was filed to halt the project before work begins, seeking to stop the warehouse conversion.

The filing claims ICE/DHS did not comply with federal laws on local-government consultation and environmental/resource assessments, suggesting construction could begin as early as late May.

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has urged DHS Secretary Mullin to engage with the Roxbury community, though some residents feel he has not pressed hard enough to block the plan.