In a wide-ranging interview with Desi Lydic on The Daily Show, Sherrill framed her approach as both a response to congressional inaction and a reaction to recent, violent flashpoints elsewhere in the country. She is drawing an even sharper line between Trenton and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a policy posture that critics say risks open confrontation with the federal government.

Appearing on The Daily Show, Sherrill said Washington’s inability to pass immigration reform was a key reason she decided to run for governor in the first place. She told Lydic that the vacuum left by Congress has pushed states into the middle of enforcement debates they never asked to own.

After discussing the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota, Sherrill said New Jersey would take affirmative steps to limit ICE’s footprint in the state.

“We will not allow ICE to stage raids from state properties,” Sherrill said on The Daily Show, adding that she and Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport are committed to making sure residents understand their rights when approached by federal agents.

Sherrill’s stance mirrors action already taken at the municipal level.

The mayor of Jersey City recently announced a ban on ICE agents using city-owned property for enforcement operations, citing concerns about public safety and community trust. That move was praised by immigrant-rights advocates and criticized by law-and-order groups who argue it hampers cooperation with federal authorities.

By echoing Jersey City’s position statewide, Sherrill effectively signals to other mayors and county executives that Trenton has their back if they take similar steps.

Perhaps the most controversial element of Sherrill’s plan is a proposed statewide “portal” that would allow residents to upload cellphone video of ICE activity.

“If you see an ICE agent in the street, get your phone out. We want to know,” Sherrill said on The Daily Show.

Administration officials say the portal would be used to alert communities, document enforcement actions, and ensure agents are operating within the law. Supporters argue it empowers residents and increases transparency.