GOP candidate rips blue state directive meddling in police force’s cooperation with ICE
An email sent to New Jersey State Police staff has brought to light the state’s “sanctuary” policies, as officers were instructed not to comply with federal arrest warrants. The email, dated March 24, was released by Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who placed the blame on Democratic leaders rather than the head of the department, Col. Patrick Callahan.
Ciattarelli expressed his frustration at the restrictive policies in place, stating that they are hindering law enforcement officers from effectively carrying out their duties and making communities less safe. He specifically called out Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin, and the Democratic legislature for implementing policies such as the Immigrant Trust Directive.
The email from Col. Callahan outlined that the department is prohibited from following “Outstanding Administrative Warrants of Removal from the United States,” citing legal restrictions imposed by the Immigration Trust Directive. This directive prevents NJSP employees from taking law enforcement action based solely on such warrants and prohibits them from contacting Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In response to these revelations, Ciattarelli vowed to work with the Trump Administration to address immigration issues and restore law and order if elected governor in November. He emphasized the need to prioritize public safety and support law enforcement in carrying out their duties effectively.
The directive from the Attorney General’s Office restricts state authorities from assisting federal law enforcement in enforcing civil immigration laws unless the assistance is solely for that purpose. This stance contrasts with the Trump administration’s approach to illegal immigration, with many Democratic candidates in the state governor’s race expressing differing views.
Governor Murphy’s recent comments suggesting that he may be housing a migrant whose immigration status is unclear further fueled the debate over immigration policies in New Jersey. While Attorney General Platkin defended the Immigrant Trust Directive as a measure to prioritize public safety and ensure that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, can report crimes without fear, critics argue that it undermines law enforcement’s ability to address immigration-related issues effectively.
Despite the controversy surrounding New Jersey’s sanctuary policies, Murphy’s office and the Department of Homeland Security did not provide comments on the matter. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of immigration policy and the challenges faced by law enforcement in navigating conflicting directives and priorities.
