‍TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has openly admitted to personally housing an undocumented migrant in his residence, challenging federal authorities by stating, “Good luck” trying to remove her. His statement, made during a press conference, underscores his continued defiance of federal immigration law and the Biden-era policies that enabled record illegal crossings.

The revelation has sparked outrage among conservatives, with many viewing Murphy’s actions as yet another example of Democratic leaders prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens.

Murphy Publicly Declares He Is Harboring an Undocumented Migrant

During a press briefing, Murphy was asked about his administration’s handling of the ongoing migrant crisis in New Jersey. In an offhanded but pointed response, he revealed that he had taken an undocumented migrant into his own home and challenged federal authorities to act.

"I’ve opened my own home. I have an asylum seeker staying with us right now. If the federal government wants to take her, I say—good luck.”

Murphy’s comments suggest that he is actively defying federal immigration laws, a move that could place him at odds with the Department of Justice under President Trump. When pressed for further details, Murphy refused to confirm whether the migrant had a pending asylum case or had entered the country illegally.

This development follows New Jersey’s ongoing status as a sanctuary state, with policies in place that shield undocumented migrants from federal immigration enforcement. Under Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey law enforcement agencies have been restricted from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), making it increasingly difficult for federal authorities to deport illegal immigrants residing in the state.

Trump Administration Responds: No One is Above the Law

The Biden administration allowed sanctuary states like New Jersey to operate with little federal pushback, but under Trump’s presidency, that era is coming to an end.

The Department of Justice is already ramping up legal action against sanctuary cities and states that refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement. Murphy’s admission has now placed him directly in the crosshairs of the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Attorney General John Durham issued a sharp response to Murphy’s statement, warning that no official—elected or otherwise—is immune from accountability.

"Governor Murphy’s remarks reflect a blatant disregard for federal law. No politician has the right to obstruct immigration enforcement or harbor individuals who are in the country unlawfully. We will be reviewing all legal options moving forward."

President Trump has also weighed in, calling Murphy’s actions reckless and an insult to American citizens.

"This is the problem with Democrat-run states. They break the law, shelter illegal immigrants, and expect hardworking Americans to pay for it. No more. We will enforce our immigration laws and hold these politicians accountable."

Murphy’s Prioritization of Migrants Over Citizens Sparks Backlash

Murphy’s decision to house an undocumented migrant has only intensified criticism of his administration’s handling of New Jersey’s growing immigration crisis. Under his leadership, the state has seen:

• Rising homelessness, with shelters prioritizing migrants over struggling American families.
• Increased crime, with several high-profile cases involving undocumented migrants who were shielded from deportation under sanctuary policies.
• Soaring taxpayer costs, as public resources are funneled into housing, healthcare, and legal aid for migrants rather than for New Jersey citizens.

Local residents and lawmakers have expressed frustration over Murphy’s latest move. State Senator Ed Durr (R-NJ) condemned the governor’s actions, stating:"We have veterans sleeping on the streets, single mothers working three jobs to afford rent, and seniors struggling to pay for groceries. But Governor Murphy wants to house an illegal immigrant in his taxpayer-funded mansion and tell the feds to back off? It’s disgraceful."Meanwhile, several New Jersey residents have voiced concerns over the growing strain that the migrant crisis is placing on public services."I work two jobs just to survive, and yet our governor is giving a free pass to people who broke the law to get here," said one frustrated resident in Newark. "Where’s the help for Americans?"Could Murphy Face Legal Consequences?Murphy’s defiance raises serious legal questions. Federal law makes it illegal to harbor or shield undocumented migrants from deportation, particularly when done with intent to obstruct federal enforcement. If the Department of Justice moves forward with legal action, Murphy could potentially face legal consequences for obstructing immigration law.The Trump administration has made it clear that it intends to hold sanctuary states accountable, and Murphy’s public admission may be the test case for a broader legal battle over state-level resistance to federal immigration policies.A Showdown Looms Over Sanctuary PoliciesMurphy’s open defiance of federal law sets the stage for an escalating battle between the Trump administration and sanctuary states. With the DOJ already reviewing its legal options, the question remains: Will Murphy be held accountable, or will he continue to flout federal immigration law with impunity?One thing is certain—this fight is far from over.

References:

• New Jersey Governor’s Press Conference, January 2025
• Department of Justice Statement on Sanctuary Policies, January 2025
• New Jersey State Crime Statistics Report, 2024
• Congressional Hearing on Sanctuary State Funding, 2025
• Trump Administration Statement on Federal Immigration Enforcement, January 2025

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