Ciattarelli vows to repeal immigrant trust directive and target sanctuary cities

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has reaffirmed his commitment to reversing New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, pledging to repeal the policy on his first day in office if elected. The former State Assembly member also stated he would move to block municipalities from declaring themselves sanctuary cities, a stance that aligns him closely with the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.

Ciattarelli’s position was published in a candidate questionnaire by The New York Times, where he responded to whether he would support or oppose President Donald J. Trump’s immigration initiatives.

In his response, Ciattarelli criticized the Immigrant Trust Directive, a policy enacted in 2018 that limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

“In doing so, I will ban municipalities from declaring themselves sanctuary cities,” Ciattarelli said. “Those who disobey could have municipal aid withheld from Trenton until they comply with my administration.”

The Immigrant Trust Directive, issued under New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, prohibits state and local police from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in civil immigration enforcement actions. The policy was designed to encourage cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement without fear of deportation.

Ciattarelli proposes withholding aid from noncompliant cities

Ciattarelli’s proposed repeal of the directive and accompanying enforcement measures would mark a sharp policy shift in New Jersey. His plan includes withholding state funds from municipalities that refuse to align with his administration’s immigration enforcement expectations.

While critics of the directive claim it undermines federal law and public safety, supporters argue it protects due process rights and improves trust in local law enforcement. Ciattarelli has framed the issue as a matter of compliance and state authority.

“I will work with the Trump administration to fix our broken immigration system,” Ciattarelli added, signaling support for a federal-state partnership on immigration enforcement.

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