Investigation Launched into New Jersey Governor and Attorney General Over Controversial Immigration Policy

Alina Habba, a prominent legal figure and President Donald Trump’s former legal counsel, announced on Thursday that she will initiate an investigation targeting New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin. This inquiry stems from reports that state police were instructed to disregard new immigration warrants, raising serious concerns about compliance with federal law.

During an appearance on the program “Hannity,” Habba detailed her decision to pursue the investigation following a report from the Shore News Network. This report highlighted an internal memo from New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan, suggesting that Murphy and Platkin had ordered officers to avoid pursuing thousands of immigration warrants recently added to the National Crime Information Center.

Background on the Directive

This controversial directive appears aligned with former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s 2018 “Immigration Trust Directive”. This earlier policy aimed to constrain the degree of voluntary cooperation that state and local police extended to federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Habba emphasized that the directive clearly outlines what state law enforcement can and cannot do concerning illegal immigrants. She remarked, “We know that the governor has on his website, currently, dos and don’ts for his local state of law enforcement.” The specifics of these guidelines reportedly instruct officers not to cooperate with the enforcement of administrative warrants issued after proper judicial proceedings.

Reaction from Legal Authorities

Habba firmly criticized the actions of Murphy and Platkin, asserting, “It is instructing them to go against our federal rules and executive orders.” She believes that this investigation serves as a crucial warning to other state officials regarding their responsibilities under federal law. According to Habba, hindering federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI or DEA will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to removing all violent criminals from this country and enforcing federal law rigorously. Anyone obstructing this effort will face serious consequences,” Habba stated. She made it clear that obstruction or concealment will result in legal repercussions under New Jersey law.

Engagement with State Law Enforcement

On the day of her announcement, Habba engaged with local law enforcement officials. She reiterated that while state officers may not possess the same authority as their federal counterparts, they can and should notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding immigration-related inquiries.

Additional tensions surrounding this investigation emerged when Habba mentioned sanctuary cities directly, specifically calling out Paterson. “If anybody attempts to violate any federal law or executive order in this state, I will be investigating, and if crimes were committed, those responsible will face charges,” she warned.

Political Dynamics in New Jersey

As the situation unfolds, Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin, and Paterson’s Democratic Mayor Andre Sayegh for comments.

Mayor Sayegh recently stirred political discourse by labeling Paterson the “capital of Palestine,” a declaration that reflects the city’s significant Muslim and Arabic demographic. This comment has added further complexity to the ongoing immigration debate.

Governor Murphy’s Immigration Stance

Governor Murphy’s recent remarks about accommodating a migrant in his Monmouth County home have also garnered attention. In February, he opened up about housing an individual whose immigration status is not fully secured. “Good luck to the feds trying to come and get her,” he stated, evoking responses from both supporters and critics of his policies.

This latest move represents a continuation of Murphy’s controversial immigration policies and raises questions about cooperation with federal entities.

Future Implications

The implications of this investigation could reverberate throughout New Jersey’s political landscape. Habba’s decisive approach signals a commitment to uphold federal immigration laws, potentially setting a precedent for how state leaders interact with federal enforcers.

The ongoing friction between state and federal authorities highlights the complexities of immigration policy in the United States. As authorities from both sides brace for the fallout from this investigation, the attention remains firmly on how local leaders navigate their roles within the framework of federal law.

Reporting contributed by Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and Deirdre Heavey.