New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is under fire after he seemingly admitted to sheltering an illegal immigrant in his home and dared the federal government to do something about it. His remarks have drawn the attention of Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, who has vowed to investigate and prosecute if Murphy is found guilty of breaking federal immigration laws.
Speaking at a public forum in Montclair, Murphy boasted that he was providing housing for an individual whose “immigration status is not yet at the point that they are trying to get it to.” He then made a defiant statement: “Good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her.” The comment was met with swift criticism, with many questioning whether Murphy was knowingly harboring someone in violation of federal law.
Homan responded with a firm warning on Fox News, saying, “It’s a foolish thing what he said, because I got note of it, won’t let it go, will look into it.” He added that under Title 8, U.S. Code 1324, knowingly concealing or harboring an illegal immigrant is a criminal offense. “I will seek prosecution or the secretary will seek prosecution,” Homan stated.
Murphy’s office has since tried to walk back his statement, claiming that his remarks were “misinterpreted” and that no illegal immigrant was actually living in his home. However, his refusal to offer a clear explanation has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding his comments. The situation comes as Trump’s administration has intensified deportation efforts, arresting thousands of illegal immigrants in the past two weeks alone.
The controversy has reignited debates about sanctuary policies and the role of state officials in immigration enforcement. Homan pointed to cases where sanctuary protections have led to preventable crimes, arguing that politicians who block ICE enforcement are putting American lives at risk. He specifically noted the tragic case of Laken Riley, who was murdered by an illegal alien who had previously been arrested but not deported due to lax enforcement.
As Trump’s administration cracks down on illegal immigration, Murphy’s comments could have serious legal implications. If it is proven that he knowingly sheltered an illegal immigrant, he could face prosecution under federal law. Homan’s warning makes it clear that state leaders defying immigration laws will not be given a free pass.
