TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy expressed reservations about New Jersey’s ability to handle an influx of migrants from New York City, a change in tone for the Democratic governor who previously declared New Jersey a “sanctuary state” for immigrants. His comments come in the wake of reports that the Biden administration is considering using Atlantic City International Airport as a migrant shelter.
The governor voiced his concerns on News 12 New Jersey’s “Ask Governor Murphy,” stating, “I don’t see any scenario where we’re going to be able to take in a program in Atlantic City or frankly elsewhere in the state.”
Murphy pointed to the large-scale federal support and resources needed to manage such an operation, saying it would go “beyond anything that we can afford.”
The governor also noted that his office has not been contacted by federal officials or the White House regarding this matter but mentioned that the state has “already seen folks” who are likely migrants from New York or other locations.
Atlantic City International Airport is among 11 sites under consideration by the Biden administration for migrant relocation, according to information sent to the New York City Mayor’s Office.
In November, Democrats in New Jersey will face off against Republicans in a pivotal election cycle that could see Republicans gaining seats. Murphy knows that a migrant facility in New Jersey could benefit Republican messaging during the election.
In the wake of the botched American withdrawal from Afghanistan, New Jersey housed as many as 10,000 Afghan refugees at a camp located within Joint Base MDL.