New Jersey police officers are now barred from arresting individuals solely based on an “Outstanding Administrative Warrant” from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive. A recent internal email from New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan clarified that contacting ICE using provided phone numbers is also prohibited for New Jersey State Police employees.
The directive, issued by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, is designed to limit local and state law enforcement’s involvement in enforcing federal civil immigration law. While cooperation with federal authorities is permitted in criminal matters, the directive blocks state and local officers from engaging in immigration enforcement based solely on civil violations, such as overstaying a visa or lacking documentation.
Platkin defended the policy, stating, “The Immigrant Trust Directive ensures that New Jersey police officers spend their time tackling pressing public safety issues… while also ensuring that victims of crime and witnesses can safely come forward to police and report crime regardless of their immigration status.”
Despite claims from the Attorney General’s Office that the directive does not provide “sanctuary” for criminals, the policy has drawn criticism for limiting cooperation with ICE. The tension between state and federal priorities has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over illegal immigration.
In a recent political twist, Governor Phil Murphy suggested during a public appearance that he and his wife are personally housing a migrant whose immigration status is unresolved. “Let’s have her live at our house above our garage,” he said, adding, “Good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her.” The governor’s comments have sparked concern over whether he is encouraging defiance of federal immigration laws.
The matter has surfaced during the ongoing New Jersey governor’s race, where Democratic candidates like Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and Rep. Josh Gottheimer expressed differing views on Trump-era immigration policies, including the bipartisan Laken Riley Act. That federal legislation, signed by President Trump, expands the list of offenses that qualify an illegal alien for transfer to Department of Homeland Security custody.
Fulop criticized the law, claiming it undermines state authority. “It is a very dangerous piece of legislation as it relates to autonomy of the governor and the attorney general,” he said during a recent debate.
As New Jersey enforces the Immigrant Trust Directive with the backing of law enforcement leadership, the state continues to stand as a sharp contrast to the Trump administration’s push for robust immigration enforcement. With the 2025 election season underway, immigration is once again emerging as a defining issue in state and national politics.
