U.S. Attorney Habba Investigates New Jersey Governor Over Immigration Enforcement

Alina Habba, the newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, has launched a criminal investigation into Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over their adherence to the state's Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Habba claims the directive obstructs efforts to deport illegal immigrants, stating that state law enforcement is being instructed not to assist federal agencies. This move follows a trend of increased scrutiny on states with similar policies since the beginning of the Trump administration. Murphy's administration has historically supported immigration, and a bill to solidify the directive into state law is currently pending but has not progressed. Both Murphy and Platkin have refrained from commenting on the investigation, while Habba emphasized that enforcing federal law against criminals is a priority. The investigation has reignited debates over immigration policy in New Jersey and the balance between state and federal law enforcement.