New Jersey Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy's office on Monday walked back remarks he made during an event live-streamed on his YouTube channel, where he appeared to challenge immigration officials to raid his multi-million-dollar property and implied he might be sheltering a person in the country illegally, New Jersey 101.5 reported.
Murphy, speaking Saturday at an event hosted by "Blue Wave New Jersey" at Montclair State University, dared ICE to come after someone he suggested had uncertain immigration status. But his office told New Jersey 101.5 that the governor's words were "misinterpreted," adding that no one was residing on his property in Middletown, New Jersey 101.5 reported.
Murphy's spokesperson said the individual in question is a legal U.S. resident who was "consumed by fear" amid heightened immigration enforcement.
The spokesperson added that the governor's remarks were a "human reaction" to the idea of protecting someone who felt threatened rather than a direct offer of shelter. Still, Murphy's comments gave the impression that he was defying federal agents: "Good luck to the feds coming in to try and get her."
According to Murphy, he and the first lady discussed letting the woman live above their garage, although he did not publicly disclose her legal status.
Not everyone without permanent residency is in the country illegally, but ICE retains the authority to detain certain individuals with temporary status.
NJ.com later cited an unnamed source who said the person was in Murphy's "circle of friends," had "legal status," and was not living on the governor's property.
New Jersey Assemblyman Erik Peterson criticized Murphy for appearing to thwart immigration authorities. "The governor thinks he's above the law," Peterson said, according to Insider NJ. "Instead of enforcing our duly enacted laws, he's breaking them and telling others to do the same. It's outrageous."
Murphy has barred state and local agencies from cooperating with ICE, a stance that has drawn the attention of the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump has pledged to crack down on jurisdictions offering sanctuary to undocumented immigrants, directing federal prosecutors to investigate whether officials are obstructing immigration enforcement.
A Justice Department memo recently warned that state or local governments could face legal action if they "threaten to impede" federal immigration efforts.
While the administration has said the raids primarily target criminal offenders, ICE officials acknowledge they may make "collateral arrests," which include individuals with some form of lawful but temporary status.
Knowingly harboring an unauthorized immigrant is a federal offense under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which classifies acts such as providing shelter or assistance as criminal. Punishments can range from a fine to up to five years in prison.
The governor's spokesperson has maintained that no laws were broken and that Murphy's words were only meant to express personal support for someone in distress.