TRENTON, N.J. — A federal investigation into New Jersey’s sanctuary state policies is breathing new life into a Republican-led push to repeal the Immigrant Trust Directive, which bars state and local law enforcement from working with federal immigration agencies.
During a Fox News interview Thursday, interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba confirmed her office is probing Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin for alleged violations of federal immigration law.
The investigation follows years of controversy surrounding the directive, first issued in 2018 by former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal during Murphy’s first term.
“We are a nation of laws. These laws should be enforced,” said Assemblyman Greg Myhre (R-Ocean), who is sponsoring the repeal effort. “We must support federal immigration law and restore the value of citizenship.”
Myhre introduced legislation (A4256) in May that would force the attorney general to withdraw the directive. A companion bill was filed in the state Senate by fellow Republican Sen. Carmen Amato, who represents the same district.
The directive prevents state and local police from assisting in federal immigration operations, including detaining individuals on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Critics argue the policy creates a loophole that enables individuals with outstanding deportation orders or criminal warrants to avoid removal.
“Politicians call them undocumented. But these people have documents – often deportation orders and arrest warrants,” Myhre said.
Legislative hearing could follow federal inquiry
The repeal bill is currently awaiting a hearing in the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee. That panel could meet as soon as Monday, May 5, according to legislative schedules.
Myhre expressed hope that Habba’s probe would pressure Democratic leadership to take action. If advanced, the legislation could test political fault lines in a state that has leaned heavily into immigrant protections under the Murphy administration.