An unfolding investigation by Alina Habba, the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey appointed by former President Donald Trump, is targeting Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over obstruction of federal immigration enforcement.
A specific state directive limiting local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities is at the center of the investigation. Habba's probe was instigated following a memo by State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan, which reaffirmed the 2018 "Immigrant Trust Directive."
The Daily Wire reported that this law restricts New Jersey police from detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status, and from contacting federal immigration officials unless it involves serious or violent offenses.
The Attorney General Platkin defends the directive as "settled law," supported by a 2021 ruling from the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Yet, the policy remains controversial, with detractors arguing that it compromises national security.
Governor Murphy has been vocal about his stance on immigration, previously declaring his intention to protect undocumented immigrants and even challenging federal authorities to intervene.
His administration has extended several protections to immigrants, including the issuing of driver's licenses and providing pandemic-related financial aid to those ineligible for federal assistance.
Alina Habba announced the investigation during an appearance on Fox News, emphasizing the severity of her intent. “I want it to be a warning for everybody: that I have instructed my office today to open an investigation into Gov. Murphy, to open an investigation into Attorney General Platkin, who has also instructed the State Police not to assist any of our federal … agencies that are under my direction,” she stated.
Following her television appearance, Platkin addressed the situation in a press conference, noticeably critiquing Habba’s approach to launching investigations via media.
“I don’t typically launch investigations on cable news networks,” said Platkin, contrasting his procedural preferences with Habba's public announcement.
Habba further elaborated on her position, underscoring the alignment of her actions with directives from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump. "Pam Bondi has made it clear, and so has our president, that we are to take all criminal[s] — violent criminals and criminals — out of this country and to completely enforce federal law. And anybody who does get in that way, in the way of what we are doing, which is not political, it is simply against crime, will be charged in the state of New Jersey for obstruction, for concealment, and I will come after them hard," she explained.
The investigation has not only legal but also political implications, becoming a focal point in the state’s gubernatorial race.
Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has seized the opportunity to criticize Murphy’s immigration policies, using the state police memo as ammunition in his campaign.
Habba has also warned other cities within New Jersey, specifically Paterson, known for its sanctuary policies. “If anybody wants to use politics or their position to violate any federal law or any executive order in this state, and that includes sanctuary cities, and I’m looking at you, Paterson, N.J. I will be investigating you, and if you did commit a crime, if you ordered obstruction, if you are ordering concealment and harboring, you will be charged," Habba threatened.
This investigation opens yet another chapter in the ongoing debate over local versus federal authority in immigration enforcement.
As the legal process unfolds, both sides of the political aisle are keenly observing the implications for state and local governance, as well as for the lives of immigrants in New Jersey.