TRENTON, N.J. — Former New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to personally address his controversial remarks suggesting he is sheltering an undocumented immigrant in his home.
“When the Governor of New Jersey taunts federal immigration officials and admits to something that is a violation of federal law, hearing from his spokesman isn’t good enough,” Ciattarelli said. “Governor Murphy owes all New Jerseyans an explanation in his own words and to take questions on this matter. Stop hiding, Governor.”
Murphy made the remarks while discussing immigration policy, stating, “I don’t want to get into too much detail, but there’s someone in our broader universe whose immigration status is not yet at the point that they are trying to get it to. We said, ‘You know what? Let’s have her live at our house above our garage, and good luck to the feds trying to come in and get her.’”
That story was first reported on Shore News Network.
A spokesman for Murphy later denied that an undocumented immigrant is living on the governor’s property.
ICE Director Tom Homan responded to Murphy’s comments, warning that if the governor is harboring an illegal migrant, “he would not hesitate” to take legal action.
Murphy’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism, raising questions about whether they were meant as a serious admission or political rhetoric in front of a far-left wing Blue Wave crowd.