ROXBURY—More than 1,000 people protested Saturday, February 28, 2026 against a federal plan to convert a warehouse into an immigration detention facility in this Morris County township. The demonstration on Route 46 came weeks after the Department of Homeland Security purchased the 474,000-square-foot building for $129.3 million to house up to 1,500 beds.

Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) serves as both Roxbury's township attorney and the Senate Minority Leader. Protesters demanded his removal from the municipal post after he co-sponsored legislation requiring local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration agents. "How can he impartially represent a town that is formally opposed to ICE's presence?" asked resident Suzanne Olivierri at a February 25 council meeting.

Bucco defended his dual role, stating he obtained a legal opinion clearing him of any conflict. He characterized the criticism as "political theater" and said he has "vigorously opposed" the detention center plan. The senator said he contacted Governor Mikie Sherrill's office to enlist state resources against the facility. Mayor Shawn Potillo confirmed Bucco facilitated collaboration between the township and the state attorney general's office.

The all-Republican township council passed a resolution January 13, 2026 "unequivocally opposing" the federal plans. The municipality is preparing a legal challenge and has cited water and sewer infrastructure limitations as grounds for blocking the project. The council claims the facility would cost $85 million in lost local tax revenue over 30 years. ICE counters that the project would generate $39.2 million in tax revenue.

The warehouse at 1879 Route 46 was sold by Dalfen Industrial and a Goldman Sachs asset management fund. ICE has targeted a November 30, 2026 opening date. The agency stated the facility will undergo community impact studies and "rigorous due diligence."

The protest reflects broader tensions over immigration enforcement in New Jersey. Governor Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 12 on February 11, 2026 restricting ICE use of state property. The Department of Justice sued the state over that order on February 24, 2026.

Bucco's legislation, the New Jersey Laken Riley Act, would mandate local cooperation with federal immigration detainers. The bill contrasts with Democratic-sponsored measures that would tax private detention facilities and prohibit former ICE agents from state employment.

Roxbury's opposition to the detention facility is unusual for a Republican-majority municipality. The township previously offered the site $20 million in tax abatements over 10 years when it served as an industrial warehouse. The federal purchase price of $129.3 million represents a significant premium over typical commercial real estate values in Morris County.

The protest organizers included Project NINJA and the Sussex Visibility Brigade. Rally organizer William Angus helped coordinate the demonstration. Attendance estimates ranged from 1,000 to 1,750 people.

The conflict places Bucco between his municipal client and his legislative agenda. The township's legal challenge would likely argue federal supremacy does not override local zoning and infrastructure constraints. Similar detention facility proposals in New Jersey have faced prolonged municipal opposition and litigation. The outcome may influence federal siting decisions for immigration detention capacity.

Sources 

NorthJersey.com, March 1, 2026 

Mother Jones, March 4, 2026 

New Jersey Monitor, February 20, 2026 

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook, March 6, 2026 

State Broadcast News, February 26, 2026