Ciattarelli, Sherrill clash over sanctuary policies in fiery New Jersey debate
TRENTON, N.J. – Immigration policy took center stage Sunday night as gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill sparred over New Jersey’s “sanctuary state” stance and the Immigrant Trust Directive enacted under Gov. Phil Murphy.
Sherrill, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor (for 11 months), said she would maintain Murphy’s directive — which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities — arguing that the Trump administration violated the rights of undocumented immigrants.
As 600,000 undocumented residents live in New Jersey, and Sherrill said her position does not shield individuals who commit crimes.
But Republican candidate Ciattarelli quickly countered, saying Sherrill’s one year as a prosecutor was marked by plea deals on serious cases and questioned her claim of toughness on crime. He pledged that his first executive order as governor would be to rescind sanctuary state policies.
The exchange underscored a stark policy divide between the candidates in a state with one of the largest undocumented immigrant populations in the nation. While Sherrill framed her stance as protecting immigrant communities and civil rights, Ciattarelli argued that ending sanctuary policies is essential to restoring law and order in the state.
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Key Points
- Mikie Sherrill pledged to keep New Jersey’s sanctuary state policies and Immigrant Trust Directive.
- Jack Ciattarelli said his first executive order would end those policies.
- Immigration highlighted sharp differences between the two in Sunday night’s gubernatorial debate.