TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy revealed that he and First Lady Tammy Murphy are providing housing for an undocumented immigrant at their home, openly challenging federal authorities to take action.
Murphy made the remarks while discussing immigration policy, stating that he and his wife offered housing to someone in their “broader universe” who has not yet resolved their immigration status. “We said, you know what, let’s have her live at our house above our garage, and good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her,” Murphy said.
The comments come as Murphy continues to position New Jersey as a stronghold for immigrant protections, pushing back against Trump administration policies. His administration has previously implemented directives limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
It remains unclear whether federal authorities will respond to Murphy’s statement, which could put him at odds with immigration enforcement efforts.
Murphy’s remarks intensify his defiance of federal immigration policy as he offers shelter to an undocumented immigrant.