TRENTON, N.J. — Recent remarks by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have stirred significant backlash from Republican circles. His statements implied that he and First Lady Tammy Murphy had considered offering temporary housing to an immigrant with an uncertain status. However, his spokesperson clarified that no such offer was ever made, and the individual in question never actually took up residence in their home.
During a discussion at a progressive forum, Murphy recounted a conversation with his wife regarding someone they knew who was worried about their immigration status. According to spokesperson Mahen Gunaratna, while the governor suggested the idea of the person living in their home, it ultimately did not come to fruition.
Murphy’s comments sparked controversy over the weekend as he spoke about the administration’s strategies to oppose the policies of former President Trump. He remarked, “I don’t want to get into too much detail, but there’s someone in our broader universe whose immigration status is not yet at the point that they are trying to get it to. We said ‘You know what? Let’s have her live at our house above our garage, and good luck to the feds trying to come in and get her.’”
The governor’s remarks were met with quick condemnation from Republican opponents. Mario Kranjac, a Republican candidate aiming to take over Murphy’s position, suggested that immigration officials should investigate the governor’s actions. Elon Musk made headlines with his response to Murphy’s comments, expressing disbelief on social media.
Murphy’s administration has earned a reputation for its welcoming stance toward immigration. Since the governor took office, the state attorney general has put guidelines in place to limit the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. An existing bill that would codify these guidelines into state law is currently pending in the Legislature, though it has not progressed.
The issue gained prominence recently, particularly after a series of arrests made by immigration officials in Newark, leading advocates for immigrant rights to question Murphy’s silence on the matter during a news conference led by Newark’s mayor.
Governor Murphy, who previously held a prestigious position as an ambassador to Germany during Barack Obama’s presidency, currently resides in a home along the Navesink River in Middletown, New Jersey. His background as a former Goldman Sachs executive adds to his profile as a prominent political figure within the state.
