JACKSON, NJ — A brewing conflict between New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the Trump administration is emerging over plans to use Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) as a detention center for undocumented immigrants. The base, previously used to house Afghan refugees, is now being considered as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, igniting political and logistical concerns.
JB MDL, a key military installation southeast of Trenton, played a role in resettling Afghan refugees following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Murphy supported those efforts, reinforcing New Jersey’s stance as a welcoming state. Now, reports suggest that Trump’s team is eyeing the base for large-scale detention operations, aligning with his administration’s renewed focus on mass deportations.
The policy shift has drawn sharp reactions, particularly from Murphy, who has long opposed federal immigration enforcement in his state. His administration has upheld “sanctuary state” policies limiting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. At a recent event on February 1, Murphy made a controversial remark about housing an undocumented immigrant “above his garage” and challenging federal agents to intervene. His office later downplayed the comment, but it fueled Republican criticism and raised legal questions.
Trump’s immigration advisor, Tom Homan, has warned that state officials obstructing federal enforcement could face legal consequences. He cited Title 8, U.S. Code 1324, which criminalizes harboring undocumented individuals. The potential use of JB MDL for detentions would intensify these tensions, with Murphy expected to push back through legal challenges or executive action, as he has in past immigration disputes.
While the base’s infrastructure could support detention operations, questions remain over how it would impact military readiness. JB MDL spans 42,000 acres and serves vital defense roles, including air mobility and naval aviation support. The local response is also likely to be divided, as the base sits within counties with both conservative and progressive communities.
This latest clash could further define the relationship between Murphy and Trump, reviving legal and political battles over immigration enforcement.