the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba has launched a high-profile investigation into New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin, following allegations that the state has obstructed federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Thursday, Habba confirmed that her office is examining whether Murphy and Platkin unlawfully instructed New Jersey State Police not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
“Pam Bondi and President Trump have made it clear—we are to remove violent criminals from this country and fully enforce federal law,” said Habba during her appearance.
What Triggered the Investigation?
The probe centers around New Jersey’s 2018 “Immigrant Trust Directive,” which limits “voluntary cooperation” between local/state police and federal immigration agencies such as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The policy, introduced under former AG Gurbir Grewal, was designed to encourage undocumented individuals to report crimes without fear of deportation.
However, critics say it prevents law enforcement from detaining or reporting known criminal aliens. Habba’s office believes this may amount to obstruction or concealment of federal efforts to deport individuals with criminal records.
Controversy Over Schedler Park, ICE Facility, and Police Oversight
The investigation comes amid a series of contentious policy moves by the Murphy administration, including:
-
Newark Mayor’s attempt to block reopening of an ICE detention facility
-
AG Platkin’s probe into alleged racial profiling by NJ State Police
-
Increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices under federal civil rights standards
Observers argue these measures reflect a broader anti-enforcement trend in blue states that prioritize “sanctuary” policies.
High-Profile Cases Raise Alarm on Criminal Illegal Immigrants
Federal officials, including ICE Newark Field Director John Tsoukaris, recently announced the arrest and pending deportation of a convicted Chinese spy who had remained in the U.S. for over a year post-trial.
Other tragic cases underscore federal concerns:
-
Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, was charged with the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley after prior law enforcement interactions in multiple states.
-
Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, suspect in the rape and murder of Maryland woman Rachel Morin, is also connected to a murder in El Salvador and multiple assaults in the U.S.
These cases are being cited by the Trump campaign, which continues to advocate for strict immigration policies and criminal deportations.
Habba: “Obstruction Will Be Prosecuted”
Habba was firm in her warning:
“Anybody who gets in the way of what we are doing — which is not political, it is simply against crime — will be charged in New Jersey for obstruction, for concealment.”
As the investigation unfolds, Governor Murphy and AG Platkin may face legal consequences if it is proven that they directed state agencies to ignore federal law.
Final Thoughts
This investigation highlights the ongoing tension between state sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement. With public safety and national security in the spotlight, more states may find themselves under similar scrutiny.
Follow the Ridgewood blog has a brand-new new X account, we tweet good sh$t
https://twitter.com/TRBNJNews
https://truthsocial.com/@theridgewoodblog
https://mewe.com/jamesfoytlin.74/posts
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
Godspeed Alina! I hope you succeed.