TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblyman Erik Peterson is criticizing Gov. Phil Murphy for admitting that he is sheltering an undocumented immigrant, accusing him of defying federal law and using the situation for political gain.
At a Saturday event at Montclair State University, Murphy stated that he and First Lady Tammy Murphy are housing an undocumented migrant in a room above their garage, adding, “Good luck to the feds coming in to try and get her.” Peterson condemned the remark, saying, “The governor thinks he’s above the law. Instead of enforcing our duly enacted laws, he’s breaking them and telling others to do the same.”
Peterson also questioned Murphy’s motives, citing past allegations of poor conditions for players at Sky Blue FC, the women’s soccer team owned by Murphy and his wife. “Now he wants us to believe he’s suddenly acting out of kindness?” Peterson said.
Under federal law, knowingly harboring an undocumented immigrant can result in fines or prison time. Murphy has previously restricted state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities.
The remarks have intensified the debate over immigration policies in New Jersey, where Murphy has positioned the state as a sanctuary for undocumented migrants.
Phil Murphy now says he is not harboring an illegal alien woman inside a garage apartment at his Middletown home.