TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy vowed this week to oppose any potential mass deportations if former President Donald Trump returns to office, suggesting that the state would employ a range of tactics to protect immigrant communities. Murphy’s comments came amid growing concerns from immigrant advocates who fear a crackdown on undocumented residents if Trump wins the 2024 presidential election.
“We will be very aggressive — both with bullhorn, with legal action, [and] with any other action we deem to be necessary,” Murphy said, outlining a strategy that could involve high-profile advocacy and litigation against federal immigration policies perceived as hostile to immigrants.
Murphy acknowledged that his administration has already begun preparing for potential federal actions targeting undocumented immigrants, referencing a meeting held before the 2024 election to “war game” possible scenarios. The governor recalled the state’s efforts in prior years to push back against federal immigration enforcement, noting that New Jersey had a “high batting average” in legal challenges to Trump-era policies, with a success rate of about “70-30” in the state’s favor.
Murphy also shared an anecdote from his first term, when he took an unusual approach to monitor federal immigration activity. He described visiting a location near his residence where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had reportedly targeted immigrant communities, often apprehending Latino individuals on street corners. “Whether that scared them off or not, I don’t know,” he said, explaining that he went to the area with his security detail to make a visible show of support. Murphy described the act as a “small step” intended to deter random immigration arrests.
Murphy emphasized that his administration would oppose any federal immigration actions that contradict New Jersey’s values. “If it’s contrary to our values, we will fight to the death,” he said, underscoring the state’s commitment to immigrant rights. However, he added that he would remain open to cooperation if there were opportunities for common ground.
As the political landscape shifts in anticipation of the 2024 election results, Murphy’s comments reflect growing tensions between state and federal immigration priorities, particularly in states with large immigrant populations like New Jersey.