Murphy shrugs off Alina Habba threat as political theater defends NJ immigration policies
shorenewsnetwork.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 10:27:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Immigration Policy & Border Issues, State Politics & Governors, Social Media & Public Statements
Murphy brushed off Habba's warning and doubled down on New Jersey's immigrant protections.
Trenton, NJ - After months of silence, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has publicly responded to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba's threat to investigate him for his state's immigration policies.
Murphy brushed off a fiery threat from Trump attorney Alina Habba, who vowed to open a criminal investigation into the New Jersey leader over immigration policy, calling the warning a political stunt and reaffirming the state's long-standing legal framework separating local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement.
"We haven't heard anything about it since," Murphy said.
The governor said New Jersey continues to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration issues, including working with ICE when criminal charges are involved even after an illegal alien killed a mother and child in Lakewood.
That immigrant, Raul Luna-Perez was driving drunk. He had been arrested three times prior, once nearly killing a Red Bank cop in a drunk driving near-miss with a police cruiser. Murphy maintains that Luna-Perez's case, which includes multiple releases for DWI and one for domestic violence, saying that the state's Immigrant Trust Directive has nothing to do with that alien's criminal matters.
He stressed that his administration does not interfere with deportation proceedings but also does not allow local police to serve as federal immigration agents.
Murphy cited the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, a policy that bars state and local officers from questioning residents solely based on immigration status, while still allowing cooperation with ICE on criminal cases.
Murphy pushed back on the tone of Habba's remarks but said the underlying principle -- removing violent offenders -- was something everyone should support. However, he warned against conflating undocumented status with criminal behavior, noting that New Jersey has built its reputation as one of the safest and most diverse states by encouraging trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
"If you've committed a crime, we're coming at you," Murphy said. "But if you haven't, that's not our job." He also noted that New Jersey's policy has been upheld in federal courts, including by a Trump-appointed judge. The Immigrant Trust Directive, he explained, allows undocumented residents to report crimes without fear of deportation, fostering community safety.
Murphy reiterated that he had received no official communication from federal authorities or Habba's office since the televised statement. He also took care to distinguish between public safety concerns and what he suggested were political messages cloaked in legal threats, saying he hoped such rhetoric was not aimed at stigmatizing communities based on race or immigration background.
While Habba said anyone obstructing federal immigration law could be charged with concealment and obstruction, Murphy maintained that New Jersey has always drawn a clear legal boundary between federal and state responsibilities. "We don't stand in the feds' way," he said, "but we also don't do their job for them."
He closed by defending New Jersey's immigrant communities, pointing to their contributions and the state's demographic diversity as a point of pride, not vulnerability.
Sign Our PetitionIn the current political climate, the debate surrounding immigration policies often serves as a flashpoint in larger conversations about race, safety, and social justice. Governor Phil Murphy's recent defense of New Jersey's immigrant protections in the face of threats from U.S. Attorney Alina Habba highlights this tension. Murphy's stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding the rights of immigrant communities while reinforcing the understanding that public safety cannot be achieved through fear and discrimination. This incident underscores the need for a nuanced discussion about immigration that goes beyond the simplistic narratives often presented by right-wing commentators.
Historically, immigration has been a contentious issue in American society, tied to broader themes of labor rights, economic opportunity, and racial equity. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the treatment of immigrants has often reflected prevailing societal biases. Murphy's Immigrant Trust Directive is a contemporary response to this legacy, aiming to foster trust between immigrants and law enforcement. Such policies are crucial, especially as they counteract the stigmatization of immigrant communities—a practice that can lead to systemic discrimination and social division. By enabling residents to report crimes without fear of deportation, New Jersey's approach underlines the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize community safety over punitive measures.
Murphy's response to Habba's threats illustrates a broader struggle against the politicization of immigration enforcement. By rebuffing the notion that undocumented status is inherently linked to criminal behavior, he challenges a narrative that has been weaponized by many on the right to promote fear and division. The invocation of a tragic incident involving an undocumented individual, as used by Habba, reveals a common tactic: using isolated events to generalize about entire communities. This approach not only misrepresents the reality of immigrant contributions to society but also distracts from the systemic issues that contribute to crime, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and healthcare disparities. It is vital to recognize that the vast majority of immigrants are law-abiding individuals who contribute positively to their communities.
Furthermore, Murphy's emphasis on cooperation with federal authorities in specific criminal cases—while maintaining a clear boundary regarding immigration status—reflects a balanced approach to governance. It acknowledges the complexities of public safety while advocating for the rights of all residents. This is particularly pertinent in the context of rising anti-immigrant sentiment that often exploits public fears to advance political agendas. The governor's commitment to uphold the Immigrant Trust Directive, even in the face of potential backlash, serves as a reminder that compassionate policies can coexist with the enforcement of laws aimed at genuine threats to public safety.
Lastly, Murphy's comments about the potential for politically motivated stigma against communities of color resonate with ongoing social struggles across the country. The conflation of immigration status with criminality disproportionately affects marginalized communities, reinforcing systemic inequalities that have persisted throughout American history. It is essential to push back against narratives that seek to vilify immigrants based on race or nationality. Supporting policies that respect human rights and promote inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for building secure and thriving communities. In a time when fear is often leveraged for political gain, advocating for just immigration policies rooted in empathy and understanding is a pathway toward a more equitable society.
The recent exchange between New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and U.S. Attorney Alina Habba highlights the ongoing tension surrounding immigration policy in the United States. This situation illustrates the broader national debate over how to balance public safety, community trust, and the treatment of immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented. Murphy's firm stance on New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which protects undocumented residents from being questioned solely based on their immigration status, stands out as an important example of how state-level policies can foster a more inclusive and safe community. This episode invites us to reflect on historical and political contexts that have shaped current immigration discourse, as well as the actions we can take to support just and humane policies.
Historically, the United States has been a nation of immigrants, with policies that have, at various times, welcomed newcomers while simultaneously enforcing restrictive measures. The 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which Murphy defended, emerged in a climate of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment and aggressive federal enforcement under the previous administration. This directive was designed to foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, recognizing that fear of deportation can prevent individuals from reporting crimes or cooperating with police. By emphasizing community safety and the importance of immigrant contributions to society, Murphy's administration highlights a progressive shift that counters the punitive measures often advocated by right-wing factions.
In the face of threats from federal authorities, such as Habba's declaration of a potential investigation, Murphy's resolve to uphold New Jersey's policies sends a strong message about the importance of state sovereignty in immigration matters. The assertion that local law enforcement should not act as agents of federal immigration enforcement is not only a legal stance but a moral one. It reflects an understanding that criminal behavior should not be conflated with undocumented status and that immigrant communities should not be subjected to scapegoating for political gain. This principle is vital for promoting social cohesion and ensuring that all residents, regardless of their immigration status, feel safe and protected under the law.
So, what can Americans do to support these principles and push back against the narratives that vilify immigrants? First and foremost, engaging in community advocacy is essential. This can take the form of attending town hall meetings, participating in local organizations that support immigrant rights, or even organizing campaigns to educate fellow residents about the contributions of immigrants to society. By creating an informed and engaged citizenry, we can challenge harmful stereotypes and ensure that our local policies reflect the values of inclusivity and justice.
Additionally, leveraging social media and other platforms to amplify the voices of immigrants and those advocating for their rights can play a critical role in shaping public opinion. Sharing personal stories, statistics about immigrant contributions to the economy, and examples of successful community policing models can help counter the fearmongering often propagated by opponents of immigrant protections. Moreover, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform at the national level is crucial. Contacting elected representatives to express support for legislation that prioritizes humane treatment and pathways to citizenship for undocumented residents can create a groundswell of support for policies that reflect our collective values of fairness and dignity.
In conclusion, the dialogue surrounding immigration in the U.S. is complex and multifaceted, requiring a nuanced understanding of history, law, and community dynamics. Governor Murphy's defense of New Jersey's immigration policies serves as a reminder that state-level initiatives can shape the national conversation around immigration. By promoting community trust, advocating for justice-oriented policies, and actively engaging in advocacy, we can help create a society that honors the contributions of all its members, regardless of their immigration status. It is crucial for Americans to recognize their role in this ongoing struggle and to act in ways that reinforce the values of compassion and inclusion.
In light of the article discussing New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's defense of the state's immigration policies against threats from U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, there are several actionable steps individuals can take to support immigrant rights and advocate for fair immigration policies. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and actions:
### Personal Actions to Support Immigrant Rights
1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** - Stay informed about immigrant rights, local laws, and national policies. Share this knowledge with friends and family to spread awareness.
2. **Engage with Local Advocacy Groups:** - Connect with local organizations that support immigrant rights. Volunteer your time or skills to help with their initiatives. Examples include: - **American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey**: ACLU-NJ has campaigns focusing on immigrant rights. - **New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice**: This coalition works on various initiatives to support immigrant communities.
3. **Petition for Change:** - Create or sign online petitions advocating for immigrant rights and the protection of vulnerable communities. Websites like Change.org and MoveOn.org are useful for finding or creating petitions. - Example petition: "Support the Immigrant Trust Directive in New Jersey."
4. **Contact Elected Officials:** - Write to your local and state representatives expressing support for immigrant rights and urging them to uphold policies like the Immigrant Trust Directive. Here are some officials to reach out to: - **Governor Phil Murphy** - Email: [constituentservices@nj.gov](mailto:constituentservices@nj.gov) - Mailing Address: Office of the Governor, PO Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625 - **State Senator Nicholas Scutari** - Email: [Scutari@njleg.org](mailto:Scutari@njleg.org) - Mailing Address: 1000 Rahway Ave, 2nd Floor, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
5. **Attend Local Meetings and Public Hearings:** - Participate in town hall meetings or public hearings where immigration policies are discussed. Voice your support for immigrant communities and advocate for policies that protect them.
6. **Amplify Stories of Immigrants:** - Share personal stories of immigrants in your community on social media. Highlight the contributions they make to society and the challenges they face.
7. **Support Local Businesses:** - Patronize businesses owned by immigrants. This economic support helps strengthen community ties and demonstrates solidarity.
8. **Organize Community Events:** - Host educational workshops or community forums on immigrant rights. Invite speakers from advocacy organizations to provide valuable information.
### What to Say in Communications
When contacting elected officials or organizations, consider the following points:
- **Express Appreciation:** Thank them for their continued support of immigrant rights and policies like the Immigrant Trust Directive. - **State Your Position:** Clearly express that you support policies that protect undocumented immigrants from unjust deportation, especially when they have not committed crimes. - **Call to Action:** Urge them to continue upholding and promoting the Immigrant Trust Directive and to resist pressures that seek to criminalize immigrant communities. - **Personal Connection:** If applicable, share any personal experiences related to immigration that might resonate with the officials and humanize the issue.
### Conclusion
Our individual actions, when combined, can create a powerful movement in support of immigrant rights. By educating ourselves, engaging with our communities, and advocating for just policies, we can contribute to shaping a more inclusive society. Every letter written, every petition signed, and every conversation had can help promote understanding and solidarity with immigrant communities.