TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin are fiercely defending the state’s immigration enforcement policies and denouncing a newly launched federal investigation, calling it a politically charged move sparked by a leaked memo released by Republican gubernatorial hopeful Jack Ciattarelli.
Platkin aimed newly appointed Acting District Attorney Alina Habba, dismissing her as being new on the job and seeking headlines, not justice.
He also criticized Habba for announcing the investigation on cable television.
Key Points
- A leaked state police memo allegedly shows Murphy’s office instructed limits on ICE cooperation
- U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, with ties to Donald Trump, announced a federal investigation
- Murphy and Platkin maintain state cooperates with feds on criminal matters, accuse probe of political bias
Ciattarelli doc triggers federal scrutiny
The controversy erupted after Ciattarelli released a memo he claims came from a whistleblower inside the New Jersey State Police.
According to excerpts published by Shore News Network, the memo alleges that the Murphy administration issued internal guidance instructing state police to withhold cooperation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in most circumstances unless a criminal offense had occurred.
The release of the document has sparked a federal probe, announced by interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba. Habba, appointed earlier this year and known for previously representing former President Donald Trump in civil litigation, said her office will examine whether the Murphy administration unlawfully obstructed federal immigration enforcement.
“If there’s evidence of obstruction or concealment, those responsible will face consequences,” Habba said during an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity.
Murphy, Platkin forcefully reject allegations
Governor Murphy addressed the investigation during a press event, emphasizing that New Jersey law enforcement maintains regular communication with federal agencies when crimes occur.
“What we don’t do is go after someone for jaywalking or where there is no probable cause of a crime,” Murphy said. “But if there is probable cause, and there are immigration issues involved, we cooperate—frankly, daily—with federal authorities. If you are a criminal in New Jersey, we’re coming after you.”
Murphy underscored that New Jersey’s policies are designed to prioritize public safety without encouraging indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
“We’re not going to go after someone just for crossing the street,” he added.
Attorney General Platkin directly challenged Habba’s motives.
“I know the interim U.S. attorney, she hasn’t been there that long,” Platkin said. “She said publicly she wants to politicize the office. I hope she starts doing her job.”
Platkin reaffirmed his support for the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, a policy that limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies unless a serious crime is involved. The directive was implemented to foster trust between immigrant communities and police and to ensure that undocumented individuals feel safe reporting crimes.
Investigation stirs political tensions
The investigation, still in its preliminary stages, threatens to deepen partisan divisions in New Jersey politics. Ciattarelli, widely seen as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2025 gubernatorial race, has framed the issue as one of “transparency and accountability.”
“No one is above the law,” Ciattarelli said in a statement. “New Jersey deserves transparency from its leaders. I couldn’t stay silent when I saw evidence of potential misconduct.”
Political observers say the timing of the leak, the identity of the whistleblower, and Habba’s close ties to Trump could raise questions about the impartiality of the probe.
Murphy, now in his final term, faces limited political consequences himself, but the investigation could prove damaging to the Democratic Party as it defends its hold on the state in 2025.
Habba’s office has not disclosed a timeline for the investigation or whether subpoenas have been issued.
ICE Director Tom Homan commended Habba on her investigation, warning Phil Murphy, “She’s a bulldog.”
