Federal Probe Targets NJ Governor Over Immigration Enforcement Clash

Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, has launched a federal investigation into Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin for allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement. Habba, appointed on March 24 after serving as Donald Trump’s attorney, announced the probe on Fox News, accusing the officials of instructing state police to ignore ICE arrest warrants, potentially violating federal law.

The dispute centers on New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, enacted in 2018 to protect immigrant communities by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities unless serious crimes are involved. Habba claims the policy endangers public safety and violates Title 8 of federal immigration law. She warned that any officials who conceal or obstruct ICE efforts could face federal charges.

Murphy and Platkin have not responded publicly but have previously defended the directive as necessary to build trust with immigrant communities. The investigation intensifies the ongoing clash between state policies and federal enforcement, with Habba pushing for strict adherence to national immigration laws.

This case could set a precedent on the limits of state sovereignty in immigration, further polarizing the national debate over how far states can go in resisting federal mandates.