ROXBURY - The threat of 2,000 people housed in a warehouse with four toilets was "all" it took to bring Republicans and Democrats together - at least for a while.

In announcing a state suit to stop a planned ICE warehouse in this "red" Morris County town, Mikie Sherrill on Friday spoke of "deep agreement" between herself and the all-GOP township council.
The release announcing the suit contained obligatory quotes from the governor, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and Shawn Potillo, the Roxbuy mayor.

Here is part of what the mayor said:

“We remain confident that, through this process, it will be clearly demonstrated that this location is not appropriate for a facility of this nature, given the significant impacts it would have on our residents, local resources, and the surrounding environment. This partnership is also important for Roxbury residents, as the Office of Attorney General can provide significant legal resources that protects Roxbury’s local property taxpayers from shouldering most of this cost alone."

That's a great and pertinent observation - the state has "deeper pockets"  than the township.

The council and its residents were surprised when news that ICE would buy a warehouse on Route 46 for immigrant detainees surfaced in late December.

The council soon condemned the idea, but that did not stop ICE from buying the location earlier this year. The prospect of an ICE warehouse in town has generated widespread opposition at council meetings and protests in the street.

The negative image an ICE center would bring aside, the township - and the suit - contend that the proposed location lacks the needed sewer and water capacity. Hence, the line - repeated today - about four toilets for 2,000 people.

The partnership, notwithstanding, no Roxbury officials attended Friday's press event in Newark when the suit was officially announced by Sherrill and the AG.

The governor said today's event was just "laying the groundwork" for the ensuing litigation.

Another political current in this saga is Republican Rep. Thomas H, Kean Jr., whose 7th District includes Roxbury.

Sherrill was asked if her office had been in touch with Kean in regards to the suit.

The answer was no.

Kean's involvement, or lack thereof in this case, continues to get attention.

The Roxbury council said in a  statement after ICE bought the warehouse that Kean was not a good advocate for their interests.

More recently, a statement on the town's website was complimentary to two Democrats - Cory Booker and Andy Kim - for proposed legislation to stop the use of federal funds to buy warehouses and convert them into ICE centers.

A call to Kean's office in Washington seeking his thoughts on the state's suit has not been returned.

Anthony M. Bucco is the Roxbury Township Attorney. He is also a state senator; in fact he's the Senate Republican leader.

His dual rule has drawn complaints from ICE opponents at council meetings that he is in conflict of interest.

Bucco says that's not the case and he procured a letter from the state Office of Legislative Services backing that position.

AG Davenport was asked about Bucco's dual status.

She said the suit was filed jointly and that she was confident the federal courts would look upon the partnership favorably.